Single Publication

2023.Sourdough@firenet.gov

360-370-4169

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/warlp-sourdough-fire

Fire Size: 2,933 Containment: 0% Personnel: 267 Helicopters: 3

The Sourdough Fire is being managed by the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team. Mitch Ketron is the Gray Team Incident Commander.

This is a no-drone zone. Unauthorized drone flights (UAS) pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfire to grow larger.

Yesterday’s Activities: There was an increase in fire activity (and growth) westward to along Stetattle Creek, upslope towards Bucket Creek, and crossing Stetattle Creek; eastward towards Sourdough Creek and Sourdough Creek drainage, and northward towards the top of Sourdough Mountain. Helicopters were used extensively, dropping water to slow fire spread after the morning inversion lifted. Fire personnel were actively engaged in structure protection, triage, and preparation based on fire location and behavior, which included setting up hose lays, sprinkler systems, and preparing structures in the town of Diablo and the Environmental Learning Center. Structure protection efforts around the Diablo community, were implemented successfully. Structure preparation, including wrapping, is complete at the historic Sourdough Lookout.

Today: Fire personnel will continue to scout and identify possible fire containment lines. Terrain is extremely steep, rugged, and inaccessible. Assessments from Ross Dam eastwards Big Beaver Creek started yesterday and will continue today, as will assessment westward along State Road 20 towards Newhalem. Helicopter water drops will continue in order to slow fire spread. Although there is predicted moisture through the area over the weekend it is not a significant amount to slow the fire's progression.

Weather: Partly sunny (65-75 percent). Areas of smoke in the morning. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. with a high near 82. Northeast winds 5-10 mph shifting to the southwest 13-18 mph in the afternoon. Gusty and erratic winds expected near thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humidity 36%. Take caution when recreating outdoors when smoke is present. Learn more at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com

Area/Road Closures & Evacuations EVACUATIONS - Evacuations are in effect for North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. There is no access across Diablo Dam until further notice. State Road 20 is closed between Mile Markers 120-156, Newhalem to Rainy Day Pass. Trail, area, and camp closures are in effect due to fire activity. Closure information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm.