September 16 Daily Update
Incident: Yakima Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/16/2012
Current Situation: Fire activity was moderate overnight. Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation of area residents are still in effect in the Lion Rock/Table Mountain area. A state-wide mobilization has been granted for the incident, which has directed extra resources to the evacuation areas. Crews are continuing to construct containment lines. An additional Type 2 Incident Management Team is being mobilized to assist fire suppression efforts in Kittitas County and will take command of the Table Rock fire on Monday. The Wild Rose fire, in the Rimrock area, grew to 1,300 acres reaching State Highway 12 yesterday afternoon. Blasting operations continue today to build containment lines on the east edge of the fire. Single lane road closures are in place.
Evacuation Information: A Red Cross shelter has been established for displaced residents at the Upper County Senior Center, 719 E. Third in Cle Elum. Red Cross staff will provide information about emergency shelter for evacuees as well as for livestock and pets. Residents are asked to check in with the Kittitas County Sheriff emergency officials at the shelter.
Forest Closures: The Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest has issued an Area Closure east of State Highway 97 (extending from Blewett Pass, south along Highway 97 to the vicinity of Liberty Caf�), along the northern boundary of the Cle Elum Ranger District along the county line, extending down the eastern boundary of the Cle Elum Ranger District and along the southern edge of the Cle Elum Ranger District.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources has issued a closure of the entire Naneum State Forest. The public will be updated as these closures expand or decrease. A state-wide burn ban is currently in effect.
Incident Summary: Of the estimated 90 lightning fires in the Yakima Complex, 12 are contained, 9 staffed, 35 no longer staffed but being monitored, 20 still need verification, and 8 are unstaffed. Fire suppression activities are being prioritized based on risk to life, property and resources.
Weather Outlook: A strong high pressure ridge is making temperatures unseasonably warm. No precipitation is expected in the next week. Winds out of the east 3-7 mph.
Traffic safety: There is significant fire emergency traffic on Highway 97 in the Blewett Pass area. In conjunction with Washington Department of Transportation, single-lane closures are in effect on Highway 12 near Rimrock. Drivers are advised to use caution and slow down when travelling in these areas.
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
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. 6000
Cause: Lightning
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding
Closures: National and State Forest East of Hwy 97; Stafford Creek area in Teanaway(see below)
Containment: 10%
RESOURCES
Crews: 23
Engines: 77
Dozers: 3
Water Tenders: 9
Helicopters: 5
Total personnel: 902
Injuries: 0
