Single Publication

Easy Fire Update            
August 18, 2024

Quick Facts

Size: 2,130 acres (no IR)

Start Date: July 17, 2024

Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA

Containment: 29%

Personnel Assigned: 246

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:  6 crews, 12 engines, 6 water tenders

CURRENT SITUATION: The fire has been largely holding within its existing footprint in recent days. Yesterday firefighters utilized an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) equipped with infrared technology to detect any areas of the fire with remaining heat that might contribute to future fire spread. Helicopters dropped water on the fire to cool those hot spots. Firefighters on the ground assessed opportunities to work closer to the fire’s northern edge but were limited by high concentrations of snags, standing dead trees, which can fall and kill or injure firefighters working in the area. The fire is also burning on extremely steep slopes where burning logs can roll downhill, spreading the fire downslope and further threatening firefighter safety.

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Firefighters will continue to take opportunities to cool hot spots where possible given the steep terrain, potential for rollout, and abundant snags. Helicopters will support operations with strategic water drops where needed to remove heat from the fire’s edge and limit the potential for fire spread. Along the Highway 20 corridor, firefighters will continue to remove debris and mop up and secure the fireline.

WEATHER and SMOKE: Yesterday’s warmer and drier conditions were followed by overnight thunderstorms and rain over the fire area late in the evening and early morning hours. There is potential for additional thunderstorms this afternoon. 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