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The Miners Ridge lookout reported several potential wildfires on the evening of July 17th following a large dry lightning storm that moved through the Pacific Northwest. In total, nearly 1,000 lighting strikes hit Oregon and Washington in the period between July 17th and 18th, 2024. Fire managers began reconnaissance flights to determine the severity of the lightning storm including three new potential wildfire starts reported on July 18th. Smokejumpers were ordered and began immediate work on one of the numerous fires. Additional new lightning starts may continue to be found as winds and record-breaking dry timber fuel fire growth.
| Current as of | Fri, 07/26/2024 - 17:13 |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | 21 air miles east of Darrington, WA |
| Incident Commander | Kent Stanford - IC Western WA IMT 3 |
| Coordinates |
48° 12' .16'' Latitude
--121° 2' .03
'' Longitude
|
| Size | 500 Acres |
|---|---|
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 0% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 10/31/2024 |
| Significant Events | The Miners Complex consists of nine wildfires caused by lightning strikes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The fires included in the complex are: Miners Fire, Vista Ridge Fire, Dolly Creek Fire, Sulphur Three Fire, Sulphur Four Fire, Sulphur Thirty-Four Fire, Upper Sulphur Thirty-Two Fire, Lower Sulphur Thirty-Two Fire, and Plummer Fire. All fires experienced heavy cloud cover with higher humidity. Observations of the fires was impeded due to the low visibility. Afternoon clearing showed minimum fire growth. Fire operations is scouting all areas and roads near the fire to establish defensive lines. |
| Planned Actions |
Recon and monitor fire for future action. Keep public out of fire area. |
|---|---|
| Remarks |
“The Upper Suiattle Valley is a very dangerous place to be right now,” said Kit Moffit, Interim Fire Staff Officer for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. “We are already seeing record dry forest conditions, so things are going to burn hot and burn fast unless nature gives us a break.” Crews also continued public safety efforts including trail sweeps of Miners Ridge area trails to alert hikers and closing the Marble Creek Campground and access beyond that point on the popular Cascade River Road. |