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White River and Irving Peak Fires Update August 30, 2022 - 9:00 AM

Plain, WA – Lightning started the White River and Irving Peak Fires on August 11. They are burning on the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, northwest of Plain, WA.

Special announcement- Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander Kevin Stock, assumed management of the fires last night.

Operations-

White River Fire
Acres: 1,058, 1% contained.
Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA.

Helicopters checked fire behavior in the southeast corner of the fire, using buckets of water to reduce heat and fire spread. Today, crews will monitor fire progression near Sears Creek. They will patrol the small Grasshopper Meadows Fire and check and monitor hose and sprinkler lays along White River Road.

Irving Peak Fire
Acres: 1,725; 1% contained.
Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA.

The south and east edges of the fire grew yesterday. Firefighters will continue to burn out unburned fuels between the fire’s edge and the containment line on the 6504 Road. Crews will complete chipping in the area. Firefighters are clearing roads with heavy equipment as needed to improve containment lines on the #200 and #311 roads.

Weather and fire behavior- Weather is becoming warmer and drier this week with potential for moderate to more active fire behavior. The fires may spread as fuels dry out, especially where winds align with slopes. Firefighters are assessing operations to ensure readiness for the weather change.

Smoke continues to linger in valleys. Expect temperatures into the 90s today. Light winds, moderate inversions, and poor relative humidity recovery at night will maintain moderate to active fire behavior through the week. The current smoke outlook, along with information about air quality health recommendations during smoky conditions, is available at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/84d849be

Closures- The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued a closure order for the White River Fire and Irving Peak Fire area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1054295.pdf

Restrictions- Campfires are not allowed anywhere within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Restrictions are now in effect for the entire forest, including campgrounds and wilderness areas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600

Evacuations- Current Chelan County evacuation levels include a Level 2 evacuation (Be Prepared) for Sears Creek Road and Level 1 (Stay Alert) for White River Road and Little Wenatchee Road. https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies

Recreation impacts- In addition to the forest closure and fire restrictions, fire officials recommend avoiding recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas. Smoke is visible from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT remains open and is not directly impacted by the fires. However, the Little Wenatchee Ford and White River Trailheads are closed and cannot be used to access the PCT. The Buck Creek-Spider Meadow Loop is open and accessible but smoke and nearby fire activity may impact the area. Use the links below for updated fire and air quality information.

Safety message- Warming and drying weather can lead to fire growth and the potential for new starts. There is still at least another month of fire season ahead. Please use caution with anything that could cause a spark and continue to be safe and aware of your surroundings.

Resources- Total personnel assigned: 360, including 2-Type 1 (Hotshot) hand crews; 2-Type 2 IA (Initial Attack) hand crews; 1-Type 2 hand crew; 2-heavy lift helicopters; 1-medium lift helicopter; 2-light lift helicopters; 13 engines; 1 dozer; 1 masticator; 6 water tenders; and 137 overhead personnel.

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Estará disponible una traducción al español en: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8329/