Single Publication

Easy Fire Update  
August 17, 2024 

Quick Facts 

Size: 2,130 acres  

Start Date: July 17, 2024 

Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA 
Containment: 29%  

Personnel Assigned: 309 

Cause: Lightning 

Resources Assigned:  10 crews, 13 engines, 6 water tenders 

CURRENT SITUATION: Thunderstorms brought rain and lightning to the fire area yesterday. Firefighters are taking advantage of reduced fire activity, working to build fireline as close to the fire’s southern edge as possible. A transition to unstable weather and thunderstorms over the fire area in the afternoon created hazardous conditions for firefighters. Suppression actions were temporarily paused due to the increased risk of debris flows, falling trees, and other hazards related to heavy precipitation and high winds. Weather also limited ability of air resources to operate in the afternoon. 

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Moderated fire activity is expected to continue today. Firefighters will resume suppression actions as weather conditions allow. Along the southern edge of the fire, crews will continue securing a fireline from State Route 20 towards Swamp Creek to prevent fire spread to the east and south. They will also continue monitoring the Highway 20 corridor, suppressing any hot spots. Along the northern edge, firefighters will utilize a drone or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) with infrared technology to detect any heat from the fire and will work suppress identified hot spots where possible. 

WEATHER and SMOKE: Today will be mostly sunny and drier and there will be moderate winds from the southwest throughout the day. There is a chance of thunderstorms late in the day. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a 70% chance of measurable rain and potential for additional thunderstorms. A smoke outlook for the Pioneer and Easy Fires is available at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d. 

CLOSURES: Highway 20 is closed in both directions between Granite Creek (Mile Post 148) and Rainy Pass (Mile Post 157): Stay up to date at wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ 

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area, for more information visit Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). This closure includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Campfires are prohibited.  

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR. 

EVACUATIONS:  There are no evacuations in place for the Easy Fire. Anyone recreating in the area should be vigilant of surroundings and stay out of closed areas.  

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waowf-easy-fire  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080  

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM 

Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov