Please see attached fire closure order and associated map. 

Resumen: Los incendios de White River e Irving Peak fueron iniciados por un rayo el 11 de agosto y están ardiendo en el Bosque Nacional Okanagan-Wenatchee, aproximadamente 15 millas al noroeste de Plain, WA. Ambos fuegos han quemado aproximadamente 943 acres combinados con cero contención. Esto significa que el incendio ha crecido 148 acres en las ultimas 24 horas.

Reunion de Informacion Publica: Una reunión publica se llevara a cabo el Jueves 18 de Agosto a las 7:00 pm en la Iglesia Plaine Community Church 12565 Chapel Drive, Leavenworth, WA. Ahí tendremos servicio de traducción de ingles y español. La reunión también será transmitida virtualmente en https://fb.me/e/2cpPULApB

Operaciones: hoy, los equipos de Bomberos continuarán con los preparativos a lo largo de la Carretera Little Wenatchee para asegurar el área con agua y tendidos de mangueras. Las Aeronaves continúan lanzando para moderar el comportamiento del fuego y evitar que el fuego detección de rango. No se espera que las aeronaves extingan el fuego, sino que ayuden al fuego, sino que modere el comportamiento del fuego hasta que las barreras contra incendios a largo plazo puedan ser establecidas alrededor del perímetro de los incendios. Los bomberos están buscando lugares donde se pueden establecer líneas de control efectivas con una alta probabilidad de conteniendo los fuegos.

Evacuaciones: la oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Chelan ha emitido un Nivel 3 evacuación (ir ahora) para la Carretera Sears Creek, la Carretera White River está en un nivel 2 (Esté preparado), y la Carretera Little Wenatchee  está en el Nivel 1 (Manténgase alerta). El personal de emergencia está en proceso de asesorar a los residentes en el área. Los residentes de cinco casas fueron evacuados del área de Sears Creek.

Para obtener un mapa de evacuación interactivo del condado de Chelan, visite

https://tinyurl.com/whiteriverevacuationmap.

Para inscribirse en el sistema de alerta de emergencia del condado de Chelan, visite

https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regionid=1184.

Comportamiento del fuego: El fuego se ha estado propagando en combustibles muertos pesados ​​con alcance corto. Los vientos cuesta abajo pueden impulsar potencialmente el fuego cuesta abajo a medida que avanze la semana con vientos más fuertes del noroeste.

Clima: Una cresta de alta presión se fortalecerá sobre el noroeste entregando temperaturas por encima de lo normal y humedad muy seca. Las tripulaciones estarán hacer frente a las temperaturas de la tarde en los 90 superiores, casi 10-15 grados por encima de los promedios estacionales de estos valles montañosos. Los vientos serán ligeros con  desplazo hacia el sureste a lo largo de las cumbres de las cordilleras y a través de valles alineados. Areas de el humo podría ser persistente en la parte superior del valle del White River hacia el Cascade Crest dado este patrón de flujo.

Cierres: Un cierre de área está pendiente. Se recomienda que el público evite recreando en las Carreteras Little Wenatchee y White River (Carreteras Forestal 6500 y 6400). El Pacific Crest Trail no se ve afectado por este incendio.

Restricciones: actualmente no se permiten fogatas en ningún lugar dentro del Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee. Las restricciones de la Etapa 2 ya están en vigor para todo el bosque, incluidos los campamentos y las áreas silvestres.

Mensaje de seguridad: Los equipos de bomberos están ocupados en el área del incendio. Los helicópteros y los aviones acuáticos son muy activos en el lago Wenatchee. Esté preparado para despejar las áreas del lago donde se encuentran los aviones scooper. operando. Evite todas las áreas donde haya personas y equipos trabajando. Ser cauteloso y continúe haciendo todo lo posible para prevenir incendios forestales.

Highlights: The White River and Irving Peak Fires were started by lightning on August 12 and are burning on the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 15 miles northwest of Plain, WA. Both fires have burned approximately 943 acres combined, growing approximately 148 acres in the past 24 hours. Growth was primarily uphill, while water-dropping aircraft helped to moderate spread downhill toward values at risk. Yesterday, firefighters worked to prepare Little Wenatchee Road and Sears Creek Road, securing threatened structures, and preparing roads to be used as containment lines when needed. Public Information Meeting: A public meeting to provide information on the fires will be held Thursday, August 18, at 7:00 p.m., at the Plain Community Church, 12565 Chapel Drive, Leavenworth, WA. The meeting will also be available live online at: https://fb.me/e/2cpPULApBOperations: Today, crews will continue preparations along Little Wenatchee Road to secure the area with water and hose lays. Aircraft will be used to moderate fire behavior and keep the fire from long range spotting. Aircraft are not expected to extinguish the fire, but to assist fire fighters in keeping fire behavior in check until long term fire barriers can be established around the perimeter of the fires. Firefighters continue to scout and assess roads to serve as containment lines when needed. Firefighters are assessing the threat to structures along the Sears Creek Road and planning for structure protection. Work is underway to confirm risk assessment and structure protection plans along Lake Wenatchee.Evacuations: Chelan County Sheriff's office has issued a Level 3evacuation (Go Now) for Sears Creek Road, White River Road is at a Level 2 (Be Prepared), and Little Wenatchee Road is at a Level 1 (Stay Alert). Emergency personnel are in the process of advising residents in the area. Residents of five homes were evacuated from the Sears Creek Area.For an interactive evacuation map of Chelan County, please visithttps://tinyurl.com/whiteriverevacuationmap.To sign up for the Chelan County emergency alert system, please visit https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regionid=1184.Fire Behavior: Fire is burning on ridgetops and steep south aspects in heavy dead and down fuels. There is flanking spread along ridgetop and downhill spread to the south through rollout in avalanche chutes. Abnormally warm conditions coupled with low humidity will result in unstable weather conditions which could result in a more active fire. These conditions constitute Critical Fire Weather in this area, and the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning.Weather: A ridge of high pressure will strengthen over the Northwest delivering above normal temperatures and very dry humidity. Crews will be coping with afternoon temperatures in the upper 90s, nearly 10-15 degrees above seasonal averages for these mountain valleys. Winds will be light with a shift to the southeast along the ridgetops and through aligned valleys. Areas of smoke could be persistent within the upper White River Valley toward the Cascade Crest given this flow pattern.Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued a closure order for the White River Fire area. Please see the closure order here: Closure Order. It is recommended that the public avoid recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas. The Pacific Crest Trail is not affected by this fire.Restrictions: Campfires are not currently allowed anywhere within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Restrictions are now in effect for the entire forest, including campgrounds and wilderness areas.Safety Message: Fire fighter crews and equipment are busy in the fire area. Helicopters and water-scooping aircraft are very active on Lake Wenatchee. Please be prepared to clear areas of the lake where scooper aircraft are operating. Please avoid all areas where people and equipment are working. Be cautious and continue to do all you can to prevent wildfires.Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ |https://www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfohttps://www.facebook.com/nwteam7Smoke: Current smoke forecast outlooks are available atwww.wasmoke.blogspot.comInciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/

Highlights: The White River and Irving Peak Fires were started by lightning on August 11 and are burning on the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 15 miles northwest of Plain, WA. Both fires have burned approximately 676 acres combined with zero containment. Northwest Incident Management Team 7, led by Incident Commander Nate LeFevre, assumed command of these fires at 6:00 a.m. today.
Yesterday, firefighters worked to reopen Little Wenatchee Road, securing threatened structures, and dropping water and retardant from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to moderate fire behavior while containment lines are constructed. Operations: Today, crews will continue preparations along Little Wenatchee Road to secure the area with water and hose lays. Aircraft dropping water and fire retardant will be used to moderate fire behavior and keep the fire from long range spotting. Aircraft are not expected to extinguish the fire, but to assist fire fighters in keeping fire behavior in check until long term fire barriers can be established around the perimeter of the fires. Firefighters are scouting for locations where effective fire lines can be established with a high probability of containing the fires.
Evacuations: Chelan County Sheriff's office has issued a Level 3 evacuation (Go Now) for Sears Creek Road, White River Road is at a Level 2 (Be Prepared), and Little Wenatchee Road is at a Level 1 (Stay Alert). Emergency personnel are in the process of advising residents in the area. Residents of five homes were evacuated from the Sears Creek Area. For an interactive evacuation map of Chelan County, please visit https://tinyurl.com/whiteriverevacuationmap. To sign up for the Chelan County emergency alert system, please visit https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regionid=1184.
Fire Behavior: Fire has been spreading in heavy dead fuels with short range spotting. Downslope winds can potentially drive fire downhill as the week progresses with stronger northwest winds. Weather: High pressure is expected to build tomorrow, with 90 degrees in the valley bottoms and temperatures at the ridge tops in the lower 70’s. An inversion is expected to set in during the evening hours. Today will present a one-degree change in temperature from yesterday, with an inversion holding smoke in the valley bottoms during the evening hours. Closures: An area closure is pending. It is recommended that the public avoid recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas. The Pacific Crest Trail is not affected by this fire. Restrictions: Campfires are not currently allowed anywhere within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Restrictions are now in effect for the entire forest, including campgrounds and wilderness areas.
Safety Message: Fire fighter crews and equipment are busy in the fire area. Air operations include helicopters dipping from Lake Wenatchee. Please avoid areas where people and equipment are working. Please be cautious and continue to do all you can to prevent wildfires.
Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ | https://www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo https://www.facebook.com/nwteam7 Smoke: Current smoke forecast outlooks are available at www.wasmoke.blogspot.com Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/

Order Number: # 01-10-04-22-05

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Flathead National Forest

Spotted Bear RangerDistrict

Area and Trail Closure

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a)(b) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails on the Spotted Bear Ranger District, Flathead National Forest is prohibited to go into the area or be upon any road or trail closed for the protection of: Public health or safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA and TRAILS

Area: From the intersection of the wilderness boundary and NFS Trail# 218 (in Township 24 North, Range 15 West, Section 35) westerly along said boundary to the hydrologic divide between the Gorge Creek drainage and the Swan River drainage, then southerly along said divide to the intersection of the hydrologic divide between Gorge Creek drainage and Little Salmon Creek drainage (in Township 22 North, Range 16 West, Section 1), then easterly along the divide between the Gorge Creek drainage and Little Salmon Creek drainage to Marmot Mountain, then northerly along the divide between the Gorge Creek drainage and the main South Fork Flathead drainage to Sarah Peak, then in a straight line northwesterly to the intersection of the wilderness boundary and NFS Trail# 218, the point of beginning.

Trails: Those portions of NFS Trails# 107, 115, 218, 226, 493, and 693 within this described boundary are closed.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public and firefighter safety due to fire activities on the Cannon Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from August 19, 2022, at 0700 through December 31,

2022, at 1700, unless rescinded.

2. A map identifying the Described Area and Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fusda.gov/alerts/flathead/alerts-notices .

3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.

4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.

• § 3559, 3571, and 3581.

5. Contact the Spotted Bear Ranger District (406) 758-5376 or the Flathead National Forest Supervisor's Office in Kalispell, MT, at (406) 758-5208 for more information about this Order.

6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in or on the same Described Area, Road, or Trail.

Signed and issued on 08/18/2022

Kurtis E. Steele

Forest Supervisor Flathead National Forest

BAER Scientists and Specialists Assess the Oak Fire for Flooding and Debris Flow Risks

OAK POST-FIRE BAER SOIL BURN SEVERITY MAP RELEASED

On August 12, 2022, Forest Service BAER team specialists completed its field data gathering on federal lands burned by the Oak Fire. The post-fire map and the data display soil burn severity (SBS) categories of unburned/very low, low, moderate, and high.

The BAER team analyzed 19,480 acres and its burned watersheds for the different levels of SBS. Approximately 34% of the total acres are either unburned/very low or low SBS, while 45% are moderate SBS and 21% are high SBS.

The BAER team’s assessment shows the acreage for land ownership for the 19,480 acres to be:

•   9,204 acres of Sierra National Forest (NF) land,
• 10,221 acres of private lands; and
•        55 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.

The BAER assessment team used preliminary remote sensing data based on satellite imagery of the fire perimeter from August 5, 2022, with field-validated data collected over several days to produce the final Oak Post-Fire SBS map.

The BAER assessment team coordinates with other local and federal agencies such as county and state officials, California Office of Emergency Services (CALOES), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Weather Service (NWS), and USGS to share information about burned watershed conditions and their predicted response during certain rain events.

The SBS map product is an estimate of fire effects on soils and not a measure of direct effects to vegetation. SBS characterizes the soil surface and below-ground impact, whereas effects on vegetation are estimates of mortality based primarily on changes in vegetation canopy. The Rapid Assessment of Vegetation Condition after Wildfire (RAVG) program produces data describing post-fire vegetation conditions on federal lands. Changes in overhead and understory vegetation canopy are often used as initial indicators of overall vegetation burn severity, but do not necessarily coincide with SBS.

Changes in soil cover, water repellency, and soil physical/biological conditions guide the interpretations to determine the severity burn level of the soil. Water repellency can occur naturally in soil and may change as a function of fire. Fire can increase the strength and thickness (or depth) of water-repellent layers in soil, considerably affecting post-fire water runoff and possibly extending time for recovery of the burned area.

Soil burn severity indicators can be found within the Rocky Mountain Research Station’s General Technical Report 243 – Field Guide for Mapping Post-Fire Soil Burn Severity https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr243.pdf and are described below.

Low SBS generally occurs where surface organic layers are not completely consumed and are still recognizable. Structural aggregate stability is not changed from its unburned condition, and roots are generally unchanged because the heat pulse below the soil surface was not great enough to consume or char any underlying organics. The ground surface, including any exposed mineral soil, may appear brown or black (lightly charred), and the canopy and understory vegetation will likely appear “green.” Lower risk for accelerated runoff, erosion, flooding and debris flows is expected within and below these areas compared to moderate and high SBS.

In areas with moderate SBS, up to 80% of the pre-fire ground cover (litter and ground fuels) is consumed. Fine roots may be scorched but are rarely completely consumed over much of the area. The color of the ash on the surface is generally blackened with possible gray patches. There may be potential for recruitment of effective ground cover from scorched needles or leaves remaining in the canopy that will soon fall to the ground. The prevailing color of the site is often “brown” due to canopy needle and other vegetation scorch. Soil structure is generally unchanged. Where greater amounts of reduced soil cover and increased water repellency occur, increased overland flow of water from precipitation is expected, most notably in locations where the overstory canopy no longer exists.

High SBS occurs where all or nearly all the pre-fire ground cover and surface organic matter (litter, duff, and fine roots) are consumed, and charring may be visible on larger roots. The prevailing color of the site is often “black” due to extensive charring. Bare soil or ash is exposed and susceptible to erosion, and aggregate structure may be less stable. White or gray ash (up to several centimeters in depth) indicates that considerable ground cover or fuels were consumed. Sometimes very large tree roots are entirely burned extending from a charred stump hole. Soil is often gray, orange, or reddish at the ground surface where large fuels were concentrated and consumed.

Generally, there is 100% tree mortality in high SBS, and tree recovery will take many years without planting. In high SBS, the exposed bare soil is very prone to post-fire impacts. Rain events on damaged soil can cause excessive soil erosion, resulting in higher volumes of sediment delivery to adjacent creeks and rivers. There is increased likelihood for flooding and debris flows. These threats can individually or cumulatively increase the risk to human life and safety, property, infrastructure, and important critical natural and cultural resources.

The BAER team will use the Oak SBS data to analyze and model post-fire hydrologic response for each of the watershed to determine if there are any threats or risks to BAER critical values. The team shares its analysis with cooperating agencies who have the authority to work with private property owners downstream from the burned area that potentially may have post-fire threats from increased water and debris flows. The BAER team’s analysis and findings will be documented in an assessment report that will be posted to the Oak Post-Fire BAER InciWeb page after the report has been reviewed and approved by Forest Service leadership.

The Oak Fire SBS map can be downloaded at the “Oak Post-Fire BAER” InciWeb site (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8325/) as a JPEG or PDF version under the “Maps” tab.

For addition information about understanding SBS, see: Post-Fire Effects Understanding Soil Burn Severity - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov).

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events – be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service websites:  www.weather.gov/sto/ and www.weather.gov/hnx/.

FOREST SERVICE BAER TEAM BEGINS OAK POST-FIRE ASSESSMENT

A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been established by the Sierra National Forest (NF) to begin a joint burned area assessment of the Oak Fire that recently burned on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) federal lands, and private lands. The Oak BAER team leader is Kendal Young, Forest Service Natural Resources Staff Officer, and Co-Team Leader is Marcos Rios, Forest Service Engineer. Personnel from California State Office of Emergency Services (CALOES) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are evaluating burned private and county lands and infrastructure.  CALOES and NRCS and the Forest Service BAER Team will be sharing information and data as they complete their assessments and subsequent reports. Forest Service BAER team assessments typically take approximately two weeks to complete.

In addition to working and coordinating with Sierra NF staff, NRCS and CALOES, the team is coordinating with the National Weather Service (NWS), US Geological Survey (USGFS), and other federal, state, and local agencies as they assess potential post-fire impacts to the burned watersheds.

BAER surveys are rapid assessments that evaluate the burned area to identify watersheds having increased potential for post-fire flooding, sediment flows and rockslides, and assist land managers prepare the burned area for the upcoming monsoon rains. The team focus is on potential emergency impacts to life, and safety on federal land but model hydrologic response throughout the burned area and share the team’s findings with the responsible downstream agencies.

BAER teams may consist of scientists and specialists including hydrologists, geologists, soil scientists, road engineers, botanists, biologists, archeologists, and geographic information specialists. BAER teams collect field data during their burned area surveys to analyze through GIS and computer models and present their findings along with recommended BAER emergency stabilization treatments in a BAER assessment report.

BAER teams utilize satellite imagery and specialist data to analyze and produce a runoff map that shows the levels of hydrological potential flows during rain events.  This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from wildfires to any federal values that may be at-risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows, and rockslides.  BAER teams produce a report that describes potential threats associated with the burned area’s post-fire conditions sometimes including recommended emergency stabilization measures and actions.  BAER emergency response efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety, and property, as well as critical cultural and natural resource values such as the water quality of streams and wetlands on federal lands.

BAER reports are shared with interagency cooperators who work with downstream private home and landowners to prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts.  Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, or www.floodsmart.gov/wildfires. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods at www.floodsmart.gov/.

Pine Pond Fire Update
August 19, 2022
8:00 p.m.

Size: Estimated 700 acres
Containment: 90%
Start Date: August 11, 2022
Cause: Under Investigation

Mop-up operations continued throughout the day with the aid of additional rainfall. Fire operations transitioned to a Type 5 Organization with containment increasing to 90%.

Fire fighting operations will continue tomorrow.

Pine Pond Fire Update
August 20, 2022
8:00 p.m.

Size:  Estimated 700 acres
Containment:  100%
Start Date:  August 11, 2022
Cause:  Under Investigation

Fire operations continued throughout the day and the fire is now at 100% containment.  Fire fighters will continue to monitor the area as appropriate. 

There have been no reported loss of structures or any injuries to first responders or the public.   

This will be the last update concerning the Pine Pond Fire.