Single Publication

Resources: 265 Total Personnel | 3 Hand Crews | 10 Engines | 4 Water Tenders | 5 Helicopters

**State Route 20 (SR 20) is open to through-travel only (no stopping or pulling over). Area, trail, and camp closures remain in effect between mile 120 (Newhalem) and 139 (east NPS boundary), as well as other areas along SR 20 due to the Blue Lake Fire.  Diablo Lake, Diablo Lake Overlook, Maple Pass, and other areas are not accessible.

As we head into the weekend, we urge everyone traveling on SR 20 to exercise extra caution. Firefighters are actively working in the area, and potential gravity hazards like falling rocks and debris may still pose a risk. Please remain vigilant and adhere to all posted signage.**

For more information, go to:  https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm

(Newhalem, Wash.) -- The Sourdough Fire started with a lightning strike on July 29 near Diablo in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, 7 miles northeast of Newhalem. The size of the fire remains at approximately 6,138 acres with 25% containment.

The current suppression strategy involves obtaining full containment along the southern portion of the fire that includes SR 20 and other infrastructure such as buildings, utility corridors, and other values at risk. In the remote areas of the fire to the north, where most of the fire continues to burn through drought-stricken forest, the strategy is to keep the fire confined on the west and eastern flanks using natural features and past fire scars. Firefighters are prepared to take action if the fire endangers any values. Incident managers are continuously evaluating and refining these management strategies, working toward a clear end state of ensuring the safety and protection of communities, infrastructure, and resources.

Yesterday: A slight uptick in fire behavior due to the warmer temperatures was observed. Containment efforts were furthered on SR 20 as crews enhanced mop-up operations along the roadway. Some aerial resources on the fire were able to assist other fires in the region. In the afternoon, a reconnaissance flight assessed the fire’s perimeter along the Sourdough Creek drainage.

Today’s planned activities: With SR 20 now open to through-travel, firefighters will continue to take appropriate safety precautions around traffic while conducting patrol and mop-up operations. An aerial reconnaissance is planned to assess the fire perimeter.  Equipment no longer required to be on the fireline is being backhauled to fire camp. Suppression repair operations, intended to return damaged and disturbed areas back to natural conditions, will continue in areas where the fireline has been secured.

Weather: A chance of thunderstorms is possible throughout the day today (Friday). Any precipitation is expected to be minimal with limited effects on overall fire behavior. Predicted winds from the south this afternoon has the potential to increase fire behavior. This weekend, expect a resurgence of hot, dry, and unstable weather conditions that will persist until Monday. Weekend temperatures are likely to increase to the mid-80s and 90s, with low relative humidity levels.

Safety: Firefighter and public safety will be a priority as SR 20 is now open to through-travel in the fire area.  Fire danger remains extremely high. The public can help prevent the next wildland fire by observing outdoor burning bans and avoiding other common ignition causes. This is a no-recreation drone zone. Recreational drones pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression efforts. Aerial firefighting is suspended when recreational drones are in the air.

Smoke: Information about current conditions and a smoke forecast is located at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com.
For information on how you can prepare for wildfire smoke, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm and https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/smoke-ready

Closures and Evacuations: Area, trail, and camp closures remain in effect. For more information, go to: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm