Evacuation Update September 26, 2012, 2pm
Incident: Wenatchee Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/26/2012
PEAVINE/TABLE MOUNTAIN FIRES
The only evacuation notice remaining in effect in Chelan County is a Level 1 advisory for the lower Squilchuck and Mission Ridge neighborhoods. Fire managers and crews have substantially reduced the immediate threat to numerous affected communities within the county; however, until the season is ended by much-needed moisture, some threat will persist. Residents are advised to be remain vigilant and prepared should fire activity increase.
SHELTER INFORMATION
The Red Cross shelter at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on 5th and Western in Wenatchee has been closed.
A "Clean Air Shelter" has been opened by the Chelan-Douglas Health District at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Waterville. People at high risk for complications from the heavy smoke exposure and do not have the resources to leave the area may obtain more information about the shelter and free transportation by calling 509 886-6476.
SAFETY REMINDER
Motorists are requested to exercise added caution when driving within or near any of the fire areas. Firefighting and resource rehabilitation work will continue for some time. Slowing down and keeping a sharp watch helps ensure everyone's safety.
STEMILT ROAD CLOSED
The Stemilt Road closure is still in effect.
COLOCKUM AREA CLOSURE MODIFIED
Effective at 12pm today, the Colockum Pass Road and state lands east of the Naneum State Forest to the Columbia River (all in Kittitas County) have been reopened. This includes the Colockum, Quilomene and Whiskey Dick wildlife areas. The Naneum State Forest and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (east of US97 to the Naneum State Forest) remain closed.
Hunters who had planned to use the areas now closed are advised to stay abreast of closure information and have alternative locales identified should the closures extended later into the fall.
UPDATE SCHEDULE CHANGE
Since near the beginning of what became known as the Wenatchee Complex, special Evacuation Updates have been provided on a consistent basis. With evacuations nearly eliminated, future updates will be produced only when the threat is once again elevated or other significant changes occur. Daily fire updates will continue.
WELL DONE AND THANK YOU
Not knowing when the next opportunity may arise, it is time for some well-earned recognition and thanks. The excellent cooperation and communication among the various local, state and federal entities with responsibilities for this incident were crucial to successfully protecting life and property during this trying time. Not losing any homes in an incident as intense as this one is a testament to the dedication, skill and professionalism of all those involved. Incident management teams deal with many communities in the course of their duties. The men and women serving the citizens of Chelan County are among the best. Thank you for a job well done.
Up-to-date information on evacuations can be heard on local media in Wenatchee or by checking https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/js/lib/tinymce/jscripts/tiny mce/plugins/paste/www.inciweb.org/incident/3258
PUBLIC INFORMATION NUMBERS:
Inquiries regarding fire information and evacuation levels should be directed to the Wenatchee Complex Fire Information Section at 509-662-4438 or 509-662-4694. The phones are staffed daily from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm.
For information on fire activity in Okanogan, Kittitas and Yakima Counties, please contact the Joint Information Center (JIC) at 509-664-9353 from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm.
