September 21 Daily Update
Incident: Yakima Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/21/2012
Current Situation: Good progress is being made on the Wild Rose fire. The fire experienced no growth in the past two days. Crews are at the beginning stages of mop up and continue to improve fire lines with the help of fire retardant helicopter drops. Intermittent closures along Highway 12 will remain in place for firefighter and public safety. Most other fires within the complex, including French Cabin fire, are in mop up phase or being monitored. Winds will become gusty today, up to 12 mph in the afternoon. This is could result in increased fire behavior and push smoke out of the valleys. Crews are alerted and will be on standby for any potential changes.
Weather Outlook: A strong high pressure ridge remains over the region through today making temperatures unseasonably warm and dry. Winds will be out of the southeast 4 to 8 mph with gusts up to 12 mph in the afternoon. A weather disturbance is expected to push onshore tonight resulting in a small chance for isolated thunderstorms.
Incident Summary: There are an estimated 75 lightning fires in the Yakima Complex. Most are small, contained and being monitored. Fires in the upper elevation areas are being evaluated to determine an appropriate course of action based on management objectives.
Traffic safety: With the upcoming weekend, expect an increase in traffic. There is significant fire emergency traffic on Highway 97 and Highway 12 near Rimrock and the Wild Rose Fire. Drivers are advised to use caution, slow down, and expect some delays when travelling in these areas.
Fire Prevention: Fire science research and case studies reveal that it is not where a home is located that necessarily determines risk, but the landscape around it, often referred as the "home ignition zone". The home ignition zone is designated as the home and its immediate surroundings up to 200 ft. It is quite common to have neighbors whose ignition zone overlaps yours. Buildings that are closer than 100 feet apart can ignite each other if they are in flames. To be most effective, neighbors need to work together and with their local fire service to increase wildfire safety. For more information, visit http://firewise.org/.
Forest Closures: The Cle Elum Ranger District has issued a closure for French Cabin Trail #1307 and Kachess Trail #1315.
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: 3000
Cause: Lightning
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding
Closures: Stafford Creek area in Teanaway, and Trails in French Cabin Area (see below)
Containment: 60%
RESOURCES
Crews: 14
Engines: 42
Dozers: 3
Water Tenders: 11
Helicopters: 3
Total personnel: 667
Injuries: 2
