Single Publication

The fire is currently located approximately 11 miles north of Naches, WA through the Manastash border of Yakima and Kittitas Counties. The Incident Command Post at the Kittitas Fairgrounds in Ellensburg is closed to all but essential personnel to help ensure the health and safety of community members and firefighters.

Weather

It will be warm and dry in the Cow Canyon Fire area today, with temperatures in the upper 80s. There is a chance for thunderstorms today and tonight.

Operations

No storms or strong winds impacted the fire area yesterday, so firefighters continued working on mop-up farther into the interior of the fire. Firefighters continued mapping and repairing dozer fire lines on the inside of the fire, as well as removing hazardous fire-weakened trees for safety along roads. Fire crews and equipment from the Cow Canyon Fire were sent last night to assist with a new start, the Mohr Fire.

There remains a possibility of thunderstorms today. Firefighters are mopping up and patrolling along containment lines on the Cow Canyon Fire and remain watchful for any flare-ups due to strong outflow winds from passing storms or new lightning-caused fires. Decreasing activity on the Cow Canyon Fire requires fewer resources, allowing excess equipment and crews to be demobilized to rest and refurbish equipment and be prepared to assist on other fires in the region.

Closures

Although evacuation levels have been reduced to 1 (be ready) across the fire area, some closures remain for public and firefighter safety.

In Kittitas County, Manastash Road is now open. Cove Road south of Manastash Road, and Umptanum Road south of Shushuskin Ridge Road remain closed. 

In Yakima County North Wenas Road is closed at Maloy Road; Maloy Road and Audubon Roads are also closed.

Local traffic is permitted to access residences and private property. In the interest of public safety, the entire Wenas Wildlife Area, Umptanum Falls and Manastash Ridge Trail (Manastash Book) are closed.