Single Publication

White River and Irving Peak Fires Update September 14, 2022 – 9:00 AM

Plain, WA – Lightning started the White River and Irving Peak Fires on August 11th. The Minnow Ridge Fire cause is undetermined. These fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Suppression Strategy – Due to rugged and steep terrain, fire managers continue to implement a long-term strategy to manage these fires, including the use of primary and contingency perimeter lines for containment. Tactics include completion and reinforcement of fire lines utilizing forest roads and constructed hand line.

Current Situation – A local Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fires on September 7th and is currently managing the White River, Irving Peak, Meander, and now Minnow Ridge fires. The Meander Fire remains at 6 acres with very minimal fire activity. Smoke may be visible over the next several weeks as interior fuels continue to smolder and burn out, and multiple fires burn region-wide. Updates will be posted weekly unless significant new activity occurs.

White River Fire – Acres: 3,184 (as of 9/13/2022); 5% contained; Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA.
The fire area remains drier and more active along the southern edges. The fire footprint remains within the control lines, and geographic features being utilized as containment lines. Firefighters are working to establish an anchor point and maintain the structure protection along Sears Creek Road and Windmill Lane.

Irving Peak Fire – Acres: 3,226 (as of 9/9/2022); 5% contained; Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA
The Irving Peak Fire received some precipitation yesterday with minimal growth and fire activity. Firefighters continue to improve roads used as containment lines and monitor fire activity.

Minnow Ridge Fire – Acres: 502 (as of 9/13/2022); 0% contained; Location: Chikamin Ridge, approximately 14 miles N of Plain, WA.
Fire activity has been moderate and mainly consuming ground fuels. Firefighters continue scouting forest roads and fire lines previously utilized during past wildfire activity to determine if they may benefit the current fire suppression strategy.  

Weather – A chance of showers exists over the fire area today, Wednesday, September 14th, with west winds around 6-8 mph. Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity continue into later this week.

Air Quality and Smoke – Current information about air quality and health recommendations during smoky conditions is available on the Washington Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Closures – An emergency closure issued by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest remains in place and can be viewed here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices. The PCT remains open and is not directly impacted by these fires. Several trails in the Chikamin Ridge area are pending closure due to the Minnow Ridge Fire. Fire managers are asking people to please respect these closures while recreating in the area.

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: 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. www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies

Fire Information – Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm | Phone: 509-557-0973
Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo