September 12 Daily Update
Incident: Yakima Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/12/2012
Incident Summary:
The Yakima Complex Fire, which includes large areas of Yakima and Kittitas Counties, consists of approximately 95 small lightning-caused fires burning on local, state and federal land. Currently 18 fires are contained, 28 are staffed, 49 unstaffed. The fires are burning in a variety of fuels including brush, grass and sage in lower elevations to heavy timber in higher elevations. Some fires are in steep, remote terrain. A total of 50 structures are potentially threatened throughout the entire area, however no communities are at risk and no evacuations are in effect.
Planned Actions Today:
Additional crews have arrived on scene. Fires continue to be evaluated, perimeters mapped and action taken to control fires to full suppression. Existing fires will be staffed as resources allow and crews remain available for initial attack, should new fires occur. Fire suppression efforts are prioritized based on risk to life, property and resources. Public and firefighter safety will continue to be the top priority.
Weather Outlook:
A warming trend is expected to last until Friday with a dry cold front expected this weekend. Yesterday's fire behavior included single tree torching and slow to moderate fire growth.
Closures:
To ensure the safety of the public and firefighters, the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest has issued road closures in the Table Mountain Area. Road closures will be staffed. The area of closure will significantly impact upcoming hunting seasons. Cooperation with road closures is appreciated.
Due to high fire danger campfires are prohibited on all county, state and federal lands in the area. To report any new fires call 911 or Wenatchee Dispatch at 1-800-826-3383. Before calling, take note of specific road and landmark information.
For road and trail closure information contact: Cle Elum Ranger District: 509.852.1100, Naches Ranger District: 509.653.1401 DNR Southeast Region office: 509.925.8522
Resources at Risk:
No injuries have been reported at this time; one shed has been reported as burned. 50 structures are threatened. Additional values at risk include timber, historical sites, spotted owl habitat, and mining operations.
Cooperating Agencies: Department of Natural Resources, Kittitas Valley Fire Rescue, Kittitas County Fire Districts 1 and 7, Kittitas and Yakima County Sheriff Departments, United States Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management
FIRE STATUS
Acres Burned: approx. 171
Cause: Lightning
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding
Closures: Table Mountain recreation area (see below)
Containment: 10%
RESOURCES
Crews: 11
Engines: 44
Dozers: 2
Water Tenders: 5
Helicopters: 0
Total personnel: 377
Injuries: 0
