Daily Update 9-12-12
Incident: Okanogan Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/12/2012
The Okanogan Complex, which consists of three separate fires, experienced minimal growth yesterday. The Leecher fire, which is the largest, increased by about 100 acres. However, there was significant progress on establishing a dozer line around the southern portion of this fire. On the Buckhorn Fire, there is currently a Level 3 evacuation in effect for the Gold Creek area.
North Fork Gold Creek Forest Service Road 4340 is closed to public traffic, but open to local residents and emergency vehicles, from the intersection with South Creek FS Road Number 4330 to the intersection with Forest Road Number 300-700. The South Fork Gold Creek Road Number 4330 is closed to all traffic from the intersection with FS Road Number 4340 to the intersection with FS Road Number 4330-200. Road closures in the Leecher Mountain area include Benson Creek Road, as well as Roads 4150 and 4150-300, and Roads 4150 and 4150-200 are closed at the forest boundary. The closure continues along Roads 4150 and 4150-300, also called the Four Corners. To the south, Road 4100 is closed at the southern boundary of the National Forest, with resident traffic only allowed beginning at Gambles Mill, at the intersection of County Roads 1706 and 1709.
A gradual warming trend is predicted for the complex area as the week progresses, with relative humidities lowering into the teens. Fire behavior is predicted to be active more as temperatures rise. Aircraft is on order to help with fire suppression. Eleven hand crews have also been requested, along with additional engines.
Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team #1 arrived last night and assumed command of the complex this morning. The team is establishing an Incident Command Post (ICP) four miles south of Twisp. The Methow Valley Ranger Station is hosting many team functions during the ICP set up.
As additional crews arrive in the area to help, traffic on Highway 153 will increase. Motorists are cautioned to be aware of this situation.
Fire at a Glance
Size:
Hunter Mtn. 169 acres
Buckhorn 475 acres
Leecher 850 acres
Total: 1,494 acres
Containment: 2%
Location: Vicinity of Carlton, Washington
Cause: Lightning (9/8)
Personnel: 212
Evacuations: A Level 3 evacuation is in place in the Gold Creek Area near the Buckhorn Fire
Closures/Restrictions:
See main text
Fire Information Number:
509-996-4057
