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White River and Irving Peak Fire Update September 1, 2022 9:00 AM

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

Operations – The White River and Irving Peak fires are being fought using a full suppression tactic. Firefighters are using indirect attack methods and aircraft to check fire spread due to the very steep and inaccessible terrain which makes direct attack difficult.

White River Fire Acres: 1,165; 1% contained
Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA.

Yesterday, the White River Fire remained active along the southern edge. Helicopters delivered water drops to reduce fire spread to the south and southeast. There was a visible column of smoke in the southwest corner and wind from the west sheared the column off, pushing smoke into the White River Canyon. Fuel moisture remains high along the fire’s eastern edge, impeding growth toward White River Road. The southeast corner of the fire continues to be busy with crews and equipment doing road and structure preparations.

Irving Peak Fire Acres: 2,239; 2% contained
Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA

Yesterday afternoon the Irving Peak Fire received gusts on the ridges between 25-30 mph. The winds pushed the fire 1.5 miles west along the Wenatchee Ridge towards Poe Mountain. Fire remains on the upper quarter of the slope and is not currently moving down the slope. Firefighters conducted burnout operations, removing unburned fuels, along the southwest portion of the fire to bring the fire's edge to established hand lines. A column of smoke was visible due to consumption of pockets of fuels on the northeast corner. Fire behavior on the lower half of slopes remained low intensity primarily burning surface fuels.

Today, crews will continue to work along the southern edge of the fire as it slowly moves down slope toward the FS 6504 and existing handline along the 200 spur road. Weather and fire behavior- Today will be another warm, dry day. Wind gusts of 20 mph are possible along ridge lines and flanking (lateral movement of the fire) is expected, especially along the upper 1/3 rd of slopes and smaller spot areas near the edges of the fire will consolidate together.

Smoke will impact the Lake Wenatchee and White River areas today, especially as interior fuel pockets burn. Air quality and smoke outlook- 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 Forest Service has issued an emergency closure for the Little Wenatchee Road (Forest Service Road [FSR] 65) to include the section between the National Forest boundary and the junction of FSR 65 and FSR 6700. This closure is in place for firefighter and public safety due to Irving Peak Fire traffic on the roadway. For additional information about current closures, please visit the Okanogan?Wenatchee National Forest - Home (usda.gov) .

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.

Safety message- Are you pulling a trailer or boat this holiday weekend? With the low humidity and high temperatures, a small spark from a dragging safety chain can quickly create a large fire. Please be responsible and take a moment to check your tow chains.

Resources- Total personnel assigned: 374 including 2-Type 1 (Hotshot) hand crews; 2-Type 2 IA (Initial Attack) hand crews; 2-heavy lift helicopters; 1- medium lift helicopter; 2-light lift helicopters; 13 engines; 1 dozer; 2 masticators; 6 water tenders; and 145 overhead personnel.

Follow us online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and
www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo

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