Single Publication

Resources: 411 Total Personnel | 9 Hand Crews | 20 Engines | 5 Water Tenders | 6 Helicopters

(Newhalem, Wash.) -- The Sourdough Fire started with a lightning strike on July 29 near Diablo in the steep and rugged terrain of Ross Lake National Recreation Area, 7 miles northeast of Newhalem. As of yesterday evening, and due to aerial operations in response to increased fire activity near the roadway, State Route 20 has been closed between milepost 120 (Newhalem) and milepost 146 (just east of the East Creek Trailhead). The road has been closed for firefighter and public safety in an emergency situation. The fire is estimated at 1,809 acres and 5% contained.

Yesterday: Cooler temperatures and higher humidity moderated fire behavior around most of the Sourdough Fire in the morning but as the day went on, increased fire activity increased along the western flank. Firefighters working in Diablo lined and plumbed the area, and are monitoring as fire approaches. Additional crews were shifted to help along Diablo Road cutoff due to fire moving down to the road. Aviation assets helped both logistically and operationally by getting crews that were spike camped on Cougar Island on Ross Lake and moving them to other areas of the fire, and by completing bucket drops to slow the rate of fire spread along the Diablo Road cutoff, Sourdough drainage, and State Route 20. The nightshift crew continued with protection on structures most at risk.

Today: Tactical shifts will start today to better position firefighters in areas around the Sourdough Fire where potential increased fire behavior may occur due to a change in weather and fire conditions on the landscape. Crews will continue to mop up and patrol around the structures in Diablo, and support other firefighters working further west on State Route 20. Firefighters will clean debris and chip brush along the Diablo Dam Road leading to the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Seattle City Light employees and firefighters will coordinate on the continuous removal of fuels around the learning center, and use equipment brought to the line to plumb the powerline corridor. Crews working in the Sourdough Creek drainage will focus on tying and securing the line. As weather allows, aircraft will be utilized to keep the fire in check along the eastern and western flanks of the fire.

Weather: Today starts a warming trend that will bring higher temperatures, lower humidity, and drier conditions across the region through the weekend and into next week. Calm winds early in the morning are forecast to increase with gusts of 15-20 mph in the afternoon.

This is a no-drone zone. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfire to grow larger.

Smoke: Smoke from the Sourdough Fire may affect communities around the region. Information about current conditions and a smoke forecast is located at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com.

Closures and Evacuations: State Route 20 is closed from Newhalem to East Creek Trailhead. Trail, area and camp closures are in effect; for more information, go to: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm