Single Publication

Easy Fire Update          
August 19, 2024

Quick Facts

Size: 2,130 acres

Start Date: July 17, 2024

Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA

Containment: 29% 

Personnel Assigned: 219           

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:  6 crews, 9 engines, 5 water tenders

Virtual Community Briefing on Wednesday, August 21 at 5:30 pm

View the live virtual community briefing on the Pioneer and Easy Fires Information Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080. Please submit questions in advance to 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov or via Facebook Messenger.   

CURRENT SITUATION: The Easy Fire continues to hold within it’s established footprint though some areas of scattered heat remain. The rainfall on Saturday night was helpful in cooling lighter fuels in open areas on the fire but failed to saturate the ground in the more heavily timbered areas. Heat was found in the heavier fuels of the northern and western edge of the fire and were cooled by helicopter water bucket drops. Crews worked to remove dead and down trees to reduce the possibility of spot fires along Highway 20 and to reinforce the highway as a holding line for the fire. They have mopped up 100 feet in from the highway along the containment line. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) continued to find heat in the Swamp Creek drainage where access is limited due to steep terrain and over head hazards. Helicopters continue to support with bucket drops. 

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Firefighters continue to hold and improve holding features on the southern portion of the Easy Fire. Firefighters will continue to utilize unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to fly over the fire footprint to detect hot spots and inform firefighters of where to focus their efforts. Resources will continue to support Washington Department of Transportation in the removal of rocks, mud and tree debris along Highway 20. Firefighters remain ready to assist with any initial attack on potential new fires that may result from recent lightning in the area. 

WEATHER and SMOKE: Today will be sunny with a slight breeze with a very slim chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures will be in the higher 70s or lower 80s and will remain within the monthly average temperature range throughout the week. The likelihood of thunderstorms on Monday night and into Tuesday increases to 55% with higher chances of rain continuing throughout the week. 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