Single Publication

Resources: 143 Total Personnel | 1 Hand Crews | 8 Engines | 3 Water Tenders | 3 Helicopters 

** State Route 20 (SR 20) is once again closed from milepost 120 (Newhalem) to Milepost 171 (Silver Star Campground) due to increased activity associated with the Blue Lake Fire. The timeframe for reopening remains uncertain. As has been emphasized, unexpected closures can occur due to the unpredictable nature of wildfires. While the Incident Management Teams oversee the firefighting efforts, we work closely with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to ensure safe passage on the roadways. These closures are in effect for the safety of the public and firefighters. For updates on the situation, please visit https://www.facebook.com/WSDOT/. 

(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 6,171 acres with 25% containment.  

The current suppression strategy involves obtaining full containment along the southern portion of the fire that includes SR 20 as well as other infrastructure such as buildings, utility corridors, and other values at risk. In the remote, steep, high wilderness areas of the fire to the north, the strategy is to keep the fire confined on the west and eastern flanks using natural features and past fire scars. This northern flank is composed of alpine and sub-alpine fuel types and is expected to continue to burn at a slower and lower intensity producing a mosaic burn pattern that is typical in these high elevation areas. Firefighters are prepared to take action if the fire endangers any values. Incident managers continuously evaluate and refine these management strategies, working toward a clear end state of ensuring the safety and protection of communities, infrastructure, and resources. 

Yesterday: In response to the increased activity at the Blue Lake Fire, several aerial resources were redirected to assist with firefighting efforts there. The remaining aerial resources closely monitored the Sourdough Fire’s perimeters, focusing on the east and west, with no concerns observed. On the ground, crews strengthened containment lines through ongoing mop-up operations. Suppression repair activities are progressing, focusing on erosion control measures, improvements to drainage structures, repairing roads and returning damaged or disturbed areas to their natural conditions. 

Today’s planned activities: The closure of SR 20 remains in effect, due to increased fire activity on the Blue Lake fire, until conditions change. Firefighters will patrol secured areas in the southern portion of the fire to ensure the integrity of the lines. Suppression repair operations will also continue. Reconnaissance flights will be flown to assess containment progress. All non-essential equipment is being backhauled to fire camp as the first step in getting them ready for other fires.

Weather: Increased temperatures and critical fire weather conditions are predicted to extend into Monday before a strong upper level low pressure system moves onshore with the potential of bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms to the region. Several rounds of wetting (heavy) rain from this system are possible. 

Safety: Firefighter and public safety are a priority. 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.