Cedar Creek/Delancy/Cub Creek Fires

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire-2021

Bill Steers, Operations for CIIMT 1, provides the July 30th Evening Operational Update.

https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 1750342386

#CubCreek2 Fire Evening Update for July 30, 2021
Effective Saturday, July 31, 2021 the Fire Information Line will be (406)-426-9595 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm), also the fire will go to once-a-day morning updates.
The fire is burning on Okanogan County Fire District 6 and Washington Department of Natural Resources protected lands and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Winthrop, WA — Cub Creek 2
The Cub Creek 2 Fire is estimated at 54,858 acres with 24% containment.
Today crews were engaged on the eastern flank, constructing new dozer and hand lines in the Pebble Creek ridges, with the intent of establishing containment lines from First Butte up to North Twentymile Peak. Some of this area near Pebble Creek is rocky, so dozers are moving up to the top of FS Road 37. Aviation resources were flying throughout the day to support crews on the ground with multiple retardant drops. The western fire edge continues to be worked; crews have initiated mop up. Today, with the hot and dry conditions, flare-ups in the lower drainages continued but even with the high temperatures the Cedar Fire did moderate the Cub Creek 2 with due to smoke. On the southern edge, crews remain in patrol status to ensure the fire stays within containment lines. The fire remains within the existing footprint on the northern region of the fire.
Tomorrow this Excessive Heat Advisory continues, crews will be on the watch out for flair-ups and increased fire behavior on the western and eastern fire edge.
Management of the fire will transition today at 6:00pm to a Type 1 Incident Management Team, Southwest Area IMT 2.
Local resource advisors will continue to provide input to protect natural and historical values at risk.
Residents will continue to see smoke and smoldering or creeping fire behavior near homes, but personnel are actively monitoring those areas. Please only call 911 if flare-ups occur near structures.
Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM)
evacuations for the Cub Creek Area were downgraded in some areas. Please consult OCEM information resources at okanogancounty.org for current evacuations. Residents leaving Evacuation Level 3 areas should be extremely cautious, drive slowly, and watch for firefighters and firefighting equipment on the roadway.
Resources for additional information:
StoryMap Link: https://arcg.is/1euzWj
Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7675/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2021
Smoke Blog: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ Email: 2021.cubcreek2@firenet.gov
Highway Information: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/traffical ... fault.aspx Evacuations: https://www.okanogancounty.org/.../emer ... /index.php
Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/ ... ecovery%20
Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments):
https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
Resources: Total personnel–687; 3-type 1 IHC, 9-type 2, 4 type 2 initial attack hand crews, 6- heavy helicopters, 2- medium helicopter, 3-light lift helicopter, 28- engines, 11-dozer, 11-water tenders, and 179 overhead.
Closures: A Forest Area Emergency Closure has been issued by the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest which closes the use of multiple roads, campgrounds, and trails. Please see the enclosed links to the Forest Closure Page. https://bit.ly/3zsRtuw and map: https://bit.ly/3wZ2y50 The documents are also available on Inciweb and Facebook.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire area. Please consult the “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) for specifics. Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone” and any drones sighting in a TFR will immediately ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
Weather: Today a Heat Advisory was issued for the region, with temperatures in the high 90’s in the upper elevations and reaching 102 degrees in the lower elevations. Winds were moderate out of the south, pushing smoke from the Cedar Creek Fire over the Cub Creek 2 Fire. Tomorrow, temperatures will be well over 100 degrees in the lower elevations, while upper elevations could reach into the upper 90’s. Tonight will remain warm over the region, with temperatures in the mid 60’s and poor humidity recoveries on the fire.
Air Quality: Please monitor the air quality on the incident FB page above and the WA Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ and take appropriate actions. All vehicle traffic is advised to travel with lights on for safety.
Fire Restrictions: Campfire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including developed campgrounds and congressionally designated Wilderness — call local ranger district offices for more information. https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq

[pasayten]

7/30 afternoon VIIRS maps... Cedar Creek... most activity on southeast and northwest...

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire Evacuation Levels Reduced


As of today, July 30, 2021 at 12 noon the EVACUATION LEVELS issued due to the Cub Creek 2 Fire are being reduced. To view the current evacuation levels on the County Wide Advisory MAP visit: https://tinyurl.com/yj4awymm
The area labeled as EIGHT MILE (on the Okanogan County Advisory MAP) that was issued a Level 3 has been reduced to Level 2 (Be Ready).
The area labeled as UPPER RENDEZVOUS, that was issued a Level 2 has been reduced to Level 1 (Advisory).
The area labeled CHEWUCH will remain at a Level 2 (Be Ready).
Citizens are reminded that ONLY property owners and residents living within the Level 2 areas are allowed access to those level 2 areas.
Persons returning to these areas should be cautious of hazards caused by the fire. Be aware of your surroundings and take action if needed. The Cub Creek 2 fire is still active with fire personal and equipment in the area.
All evacuations levels remain the same for the Cedar Creek Fire.
#CubCreek2 Fire informational line: 509-593-0574

[KarlK]

Michael --

As a Team Rubicon firefighter I particularly resonated with your apt comments regarding the Methow fires and the need for fuel mitigation.

I'm presently home briefly from the Cub Creek2 fire after 17 days of engine work on three Washington fires, and it will interest you to know that in 2017 Team Rubicon performed a significant amount of fuel reduction along both the West and East Chewuch roads (we also did a major fuel reduction project on McClure Mountain above Twisp). Former Methow District Ranger Mike Liu was instrumental in paving the way for TR's involvement, and I'm confident that Chris Furr, the current MDR, would be receptive to future TR involvement as well.

I'm delighted to report that TR's fuel-managed tracts along the Chewuch have so far come through the fire in good shape.

In fact, I first became aware of this when another engine crew mentioned to us that "up the road someone has done fuels reduction work and it's made a big difference."

Yup.

Well, it's going to be a long season and there's a high likelyhood I'll be back on an engine in the Methow, and 100% chance I'll be back on an engine somewhere in Washington or Oregon.

Meanwhile, keep up the spendid work--

Karl

[pasayten]

Michael Chiu

10:30am Friday, 7/30 - Cedar Creek Fire.
Calm and smoky. 78F with 46% RH (plummeting fast) near Wolf Ridge Resort.
Hoping the black has begun to reach the containment lines established about 300-400 yards above me. The upslope winds and quiet night have been a blessing for my locale. But those same winds bedeviled folks south of me. Last evening the dark plume over the ridge top of Virginian Ridge and in the Little Wolf Creek drainage was concerning. Saw two Super Scoopers working to cool the edges and slow the progression of the fire. A K-max heavy lift was in the mix too working hot spots. The Super Scoopers are not small aircraft. They seemed so small as they attacked the edges of the fire. I’m very worried about Thompson Ridge and beyond.
Saw some social media posts exhorting fire fighters to: “hammer” the fire out; to just “extinguish” it; to stop “guiding it” towards the Twisp river drainage. Would be wonderful to have the ability to actually extinguish or redirect the fire. A gentle reminder that we’re on Mother Nature’s turf. She calls the shots. Weather, topography, fuel. Human’s can only marginally alter the fuel condition in the effort to contain and starve the fire…and we wait for rain. Hats off to the men and women working the fire. Dedication, experience and professionalism abounds. But let’s not loose sight what is possible and even reasonable. Expectations need to be realistic.
This will be my last posting for a while. My work is done and matters elsewhere demand my presence. I’ve made minor and temporary fire safety improvements for about 10 families and 4 additional outbuildings. Hopefully I’ve proselytized enough to make next fire season marginally less stressful and the structures more prepared.
In that vein, I hope you’ll keep an eye out for my future posts. I am a volunteer leader-in-training with TeamRubiconUSA (501c3 since 2001). Team Rubicon responded to the valley in ‘14 and ‘15 to help with cleanup and recovery. Last month I was in the tiny hamlet of Malden in Whitman county (Babb Fire, 2020) cleaning up after 80% of their town was consumed by flames. Dirty dirty work with so much heartache.
I suppose that has motivated me, in no small part, to push the FireWise message. I’d much rather prevent devastation than cleanup afterwards. Hard to measure success and “wins” in fire prevention work but seeing charred remnants of people’s homes and trying to even remotely fathom their grief and utter despair, that’s a hard loss in anybody’s reckoning.
I’m currently spinning up a cooperative effort with several stalwart and longtime organizations in the county. The goal is to apply Team Rubicon’s organizational horsepower to deliver FireWise (at no cost) to the most socially vulnerable populations in Okanogan county. The operations will focus on creating fuel free zones for the first 5 feet around homes (vegetation removal, weed fabric, gravel) and defensible space out to 30 feet and reduced fuel zones beyond. Many of these homes do not have, and cannot get, home owners insurance. Think about that.
I’m planning our first operation in September or October, 2021. Location and recipients are being determined but I suspect the initial operations will be along the 97 corridor between Tonasket to Malott. We’ll assess, evaluate and improve the operation and repeat. Hopefully it’ll be a recurring operation that’ll expand into the Methow and into neighboring counties. My dream is multiple operations, each encompassing 3-5 homes, during the shoulder seasons.
I’ll keep the community posted through whatever communication platforms that avail themselves to me, Team Rubicon and our partnering organizations.
Safe travels, blue skies, and, “May the odds be in your favor!”

[pasayten]

July 30 morning VIIRS map for Cedar Creek...

[pasayten]

7/30 Smoke Outlook

Fire
Cedar Creek is estimated at 41,142 acres with active fire in the
Wolf Creek drainage, along Thompson Ridge, in the upper reaches
of Little Bridge Creek, and in the Silver Star Creek drainage.
The fire mostly filled in the area yesterday between Lucky Jim
Bluff and Hwy 20. Cedar Creek fire is 11 % contained with crews
continuing structure protection and connecting control lines in
the Thompson Ridge and Little Bridge Creek areas. Cub Creek 2 is
estimated at 54,852 acres and is 24% contained. Cub Creek 2 fire
is active in Pebble Creek and Twentymile Creek drainages. Crews
have tied in containment lines to Sweetgrass Butte on the
west side of the fire and are constructing line to keep the fire
from pushing east. Aircraft assisted with firefighting efforts on
both fires yesterday.

Smoke
A slightly stronger upvalley flow today will again push smoke
out of the lower Methow Valley. Smoke should start clearing in
the late afternoon in the Upper Methow Valley. Upvalley winds
may channel smoke into Mazama throughout the day. Smoke
will again pool overnight with degraded air quality in the Upper
Methow Valley early tomorrow morning. The northern portion
of the Okanogan Valley may have smoke impacts form the
fires in Canada and the Colville Reservation today. Chelan may
have periods of moderate air quality today. Chelan and
Stehekin may have periods of USG to unhealthy air quality
tomorrow.

[pasayten]

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires
Morning Update
July 30, 2021

Video Briefing... https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires202 ... 1645721528

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Winthrop, WA — The Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in steep and rocky terrain with heavy dead and down fuel loading. These fires are being managed by Great Basin Incident Management Team 1.
Fire Information Line - Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires: 509-557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Fire Weather: Today will be warm and dry. We will see heavy smoke in the valleys in the early hours with moderate clearing in the afternoon. Skies will be mostly sunny, and temperatures will range from 90 to 97 degrees at the lower elevations and 79 to 85 at the ridgetops. Relative humidity will be 15 to 20 percent in the valleys and 17 to 25 at higher elevations. Winds will be mild, northwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour in the morning, transitioning to southerly winds of 4 to 8 miles per hour with gusts of 14 in the afternoon.
Cedar Creek Fire: The fire is currently estimated at 41,142 acres and is 11% contained.
The Twist River Spike Camp has been established and is now home to a large contingent of firefighters and firefighting equipment. By positioning resources at Twisp River, travel time to the Little Bridge Creek and Thompson Ridge area is reduced and crews can spend more time on the fire and less time in transit. This also places more firefighters in the Twisp area where they will be available to support the community if they are needed.
Crews working along Highway 20 and Early Winter Creek made substantial progress yesterday and hope to have most of the containment features in place by end of shift today. This will allow fire managers to reallocate valuable resources to other parts of the fire.
Suppression operations in the Free Stone area will continue today with crews keeping pace with the fire. As the fire backs down toward the road, firefighters burn the vegetation between the road and the fires edge, denying the fire fuel and stopping its forward momentum.
Work in the Little Wolf Creek, Little Bridge Creek, and Thompson Ridge area will continue today as firefighters strengthen control features in anticipation of a burn operation. Once completed, these fire lines will tie into the old Little Bridge Fire burn scar. If successful, this will create a barrier between the active fire and the Twist River.
Structure protection continues to be a top priority with multiple strike teams of state and local engines (state mob) patrolling homes along the fire perimeter. As the strike teams time out, new teams are being brought in to take their places.
Delancy Fire: No increase in fire activity has been observed. Fire activity remains minimal. Fire crews and aircraft continue to monitor the fire and will take appropriate action if any change in fire behavior occurs. The estimated size of the Delancy Fire is approximately 223 acres.
Resources for additional information:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires2021
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7655/
Smoke Blog: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
Email: 2021.cedarcreek@firenet.gov
Highway Information: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/traffical ... fault.aspx
Evacuations: https://www.okanogancounty.org/.../emer ... /index.php
Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/ ... ecovery%20
Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments): https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
Resources: Total personnel - 689: 3 - type 4 hotshot crews, 9 - type 2 hand crews, 1 - type 2 initial attack hand crew, 1 - camp crew, 8 - type 1 (heavy) helicopters, 1 - type 2 helicopter, 2 - type 3 helicopter, 55 - engines, 5 - dozers, 20 - water tenders,1 - masticator, 2 - skidgen, 4 – skidders, 3 – excavators, 4 – feller bunchers, 1 – Aerial Supervision Module, and 179 line supervision & support personnel.
Closures:
For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting these fires, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been placed over the area. Please consult the “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) for specifics. Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone” and any drones sighting in a TFR will immediately impede aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) remains closed at milepost 185 (7 miles west of Winthrop) to milepost 165 to all traffic due to fire activity.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a Fire Emergency Area Closure as of July 22nd, 2021. The Closure includes facilities, roads, and trails. The Closure may be viewed in its entirety at the “Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires 2021” Facebook page.
The Forest Service Fire Emergency Area Closure is separate from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) closure of portions of State Route 20 and may change or be lifted at different times depending on operational needs. WSDOT is working closely with the Forest Service and Okanogan County to identify where fire activity and firefighting operations warrant closure.
Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) continues to reevaluate evacuation levels. For the most up to date evacuation levels see the OCEM’s website above. Residents entering Evacuation Level 3 areas need to slow down and watch for firefighters and equipment in roadways.
Air Quality: Stagnant air will continue to hamper smoke dispersion today. Light downslope/downvalley winds will shift to upslope/upvalley winds in the Okanogan Valley with slightly stronger winds in the Methow Valley. Smoke will pool near the fires impacting Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp with unhealthy to hazardous air quality throughout the day. The Okanogan Valley will have haze with periods of Unhealthy air.
Fire Restrictions: Campfire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including developed campgrounds and congressionally designated Wilderness — call local ranger district offices for more information. https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq
-End-

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire
Morning Update
July 30, 2021

Video Briefing... https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 8597657254

For a shareable PDF of this update, click here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g5r0JX ... PG0wX/view
Fire Information Line – (509)-593-0574 (8:00 am to 9:00 pm)
The fire is burning on Okanogan County Fire District 6 and Washington Department of Natural Resources protected lands and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
The Cub Creek 2 Fire is estimated at 54,852 acres with 24% containment.
Overnight, the fire continued to move in the lower drainages in Pebble Creek on the eastern flank. Crews began prepping the eastern flank from First Butte up to North Twentymile Peak by ensuring heavy equipment and crews can continue to increase containment line up to northern edge of the fire. Today’s priority is along the eastern flank, where crews have added dozers and other heavy equipment to bolster existing FS road systems and reinforce the hand lines that have been constructed over this past week.
Crews and dozers will work aggressively today from First Butte up to North Twentymile Peak. The western fire edge remains manageable, as crews have initiated mop up, but continue to diminish hot spots in the lower drainages. On the southern edge, crews remain in patrol status to ensure the fire stays within containment lines. The fire remains within control lines on the northern region of the fire. With an Excessive Heat Advisory in effect, crews will be on the watch out for flair-ups and increased fire behavior.
Management of the fire will transition today at 6:00pm to a Type 1 Incident Management Team, Southwest Area IMT 2.
Local resource advisors will continue to provide input to protect natural and historical values at risk.
Residents will continue to see smoke and smoldering or creeping fire behavior near homes, but personnel are actively monitoring those areas. Please only call 911 if flare-ups occur near structures.
Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) evacuations for the Chewuch River drainage remain in effect. Please consult OCEM information resources at okanogancounty.org for current evacuations. Residents leaving Evacuation Level 3 areas should be extremely cautious, drive slowly, and watch for firefighters and firefighting equipment on the roadway.
Resources for additional information:
StoryMap Link: https://arcg.is/1euzWj
Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7675/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2021
Smoke Blog: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
Email: 2021.cubcreek2@firenet.gov
Highway Information: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/traffical ... fault.aspx Evacuations: https://www.okanogancounty.org/.../emer ... /index.php
Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/ ... ecovery%20
Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments):
https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
Resources: Total personnel–687; 3-type 1 IHC, 9-type 2, 4 type 2 initial attack hand crews, 6- heavy helicopters, 2- medium helicopter, 3-light lift helicopter, 28- engines, 11-dozer, 11-water tenders, and 179 overhead.
Closures: A Forest Area Emergency Closure has been issued by the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest which closes the use of multiple roads, campgrounds, and trails. Please see the enclosed links to the Forest Closure Page. https://bit.ly/3zsRtuw and map: https://bit.ly/3wZ2y50 The documents are also available on Inciweb and Facebook.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire area. Please consult the “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) for specifics. Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone” and any drones sighting in a TFR will immediately ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
Weather: Overnight, the region experienced terrible recoveries, as relative humidity’s this morning are in the twenties and temperatures in the low 70’s. Today, the Heat Advisory has been upgraded to an Excessive Heat Advisory. Temperatures will range from the high 90’s and into the low 100 degree range, while humidity’s will be in the teens. Winds will be light out of the south, pushing smoke from the Cedar Creek Fire over the Cub Creek 2 Fire. Tomorrow, temperatures will be well over 100 degrees in the lower elevations, while upper elevations could reach into the upper 90’s.
Air Quality: Please monitor the air quality on the incident FB page above and the WA Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ and take appropriate actions. All vehicle traffic is advised to travel with lights on for safety.
Fire Restrictions: Campfire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including developed campgrounds and congressionally designated Wilderness — call local ranger district offices for more information. https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq

[pasayten]

OCEC planned outage this morning 7:30-8:30am Left Fork Wolf Creek Rd for repair work

[pasayten]

Here are the maps for July 30th. for the Cub Creek 2 Fire

For a shareable PDF of the IR Ortho Map, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPtNsv ... N_9sA/view
For a shareable PDF of the IR Topo Map, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yJ0aTA ... u-BVp/view
For a shareable PDF of the PIO Perimeter Map, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1krtKn5 ... R-6Pw/view

[pasayten]

Cedar Creek Fire 07/30 morning perimeter... Lots of growth from yesterday afternoon slopping over Thompson Ridge...

Fire Perimeter topic/library
https://pasayten.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=77

[TraciHa]

https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/?fbclid=IwAR0s ... 0.3397/12I

I like the usgs hybrid layer best..good detail

[pasayten]

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires 2021

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires
Evening Update
July 29, 2021


Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Winthrop, WA — The Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in steep and rocky terrain with heavy dead and down fuel loading. These fires are being managed by Great Basin Incident Management Team 1.
Fire Information Line - Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires: 509-557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Fire Weather: Overnight we expect mostly clear skies over the fire area. Smoke will settle into the lower lying areas. Winds will be downslope/downvalley at 4 to 8 miles per hour, with gusts to 15. Temperatures will range from 60 to 70 degrees in the valleys and 57 to 65 along the ridge tops. Relative humidity should run 60 to 70 percent in the valleys and 30 to 45 percent at higher elevations.
Cedar Creek Fire: The fire is currently estimated at 39,506 acres and is 11% contained.
As fire continued to back down the slope towards Silver Star Creek, crews constructed control line from Highway 20 to the avalanche chutes below the Vasiliki Ridge to prevent the fire from advancing further west. Helicopters made multiple water drops to slow the fires progress in Silver Star Canyon.
The work along the Highway 20 corridor continued. Fire crews are a taking a slow and methodical approach; as the fire backs down to the containment line, the crews burn any remaining vegetation between the fire’s edge and the containment feature, thus denying the fire additional fuel and stopping its forward progress.
The large pocket of unburned fuels at the base of Lucky Jim Bluff is cleaning up nicely. The night shift plans to conduct a low intensity firing operation off the dozer line below Lucky Jim Bluff this evening.
Fire Crews assigned to the Little Wolf Creek and Thompson Ridge area observed increased fire activity throughout the day as the fire continued burn uphill towards Thompson Ridge. After considering several options, operations personnel have determined that the containment strategy with the highest probability of success will be to use the 4410 and 4415 roads as the primary containment line.
A remote fire camp (spike camp) will be established in the Twist River area. This camp will be populated with firefighters by Friday, July 30, 2021. Placing firefighters in this camp will shorten travel time to the work in the Little Bridge Creek and Thompson Ridge area and allow crews to use their time more efficiently.
Structure protection continues to be a top priority with multiple strike teams of state and local engines (state mob) patrolling homes along the fire perimeter. As the strike teams time out, new teams are being brought in to take their places.
Delancy Fire: Fire activity remains minimal. The fire is being monitored from the ground by fire crews and from the air by firefighting aircraft. The estimated size of the Delancy Fire is approximately 223 acres.
Resources for additional information:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires2021
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7655/
Smoke Blog: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
Email: 2021.cedarcreek@firenet.gov
Highway Information: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/traffical ... fault.aspx
Evacuations: https://www.okanogancounty.org/.../emer ... /index.php
Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/ ... ecovery%20
Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments): https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
Resources: Total personnel - 689: 3 - type 4 hotshot crews, 9 - type 2 hand crews, 1 - type 2 initial attack hand crew, 1 - camp crew, 8 - type 1 (heavy) helicopters, 1 - type 2 helicopter, 2 - type 3 helicopter, 55 - engines, 5 - dozers, 20 - water tenders,1 - masticator, 2 - skidgen, 4 – skidders, 3 – excavators, 4 – feller bunchers, 1 – Aerial Supervision Module, and 179 line supervision & support personnel.
Closures:
For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting these fires, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been placed over the area. Please consult the “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) for specifics. Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone” and any drones sighting in a TFR will immediately impede aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) remains closed at milepost 185 (7 miles west of Winthrop) to milepost 165 to all traffic due to fire activity.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a Fire Emergency Area Closure as of July 22nd, 2021. The Closure includes facilities, roads, and trails. The Closure may be viewed in its entirety at the “Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires 2021” Facebook page.
The Forest Service Fire Emergency Area Closure is separate from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) closure of portions of State Route 20 and may change or be lifted at different times depending on operational needs. WSDOT is working closely with the Forest Service and Okanogan County to identify where fire activity and firefighting operations warrant closure.
Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) continues to reevaluate evacuation levels. For the most up to date evacuation levels see the OCEM’s website above. Residents entering Evacuation Level 3 areas need to slow down and watch for firefighters and equipment in roadways.
Air Quality: Stagnant air will continue to hamper smoke dispersion today. Light downslope/downvalley winds will shift to upslope/upvalley winds in the Okanogan Valley with slightly stronger winds in the Methow Valley. Smoke will pool near the fires impacting Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp with unhealthy to hazardous air quality throughout the day. The Okanogan Valley will have haze with periods of Unhealthy air.
Fire Restrictions: Campfire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including developed campgrounds and congressionally designated Wilderness — call local ranger district offices for more information. https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq
-End-

[pasayten]

Evening VIIRS map for Cedar Creek... 7/29

Evening NFIC fire perimeter draped on google earth. Shows major growth from yesterdays shaded area slopping over Thompson Ridge into Vincent Creek.

July 29 evening NFIC fire perimeter zipped KML file for google earth.

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire
Evening Update
July 29, 2021

Video briefing... https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 0203929517

For a shareable PDF of this update, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/189dOhY ... W5ZDT/view

Fire Information Line – (509)-593-0574 (8:00 am to 9:00 pm)
The fire is burning on Okanogan County Fire District 6 and Washington Department of Natural Resources protected lands and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
The Cub Creek 2 Fire is estimated at 53,277 acres with 24% containment.
Today, along the western and eastern region of the fire became more active in the lower drainages. Crews were engaged on the south eastern flank, especially near Pebble Creek, where the fire remains active in the drainages. Crews ensured fire remained away from structures in the Brevicomis Creek area. With priorities shifting from the western fire perimeter, crews moved a significant number of dozers and other heavy equipment to the eastern flank.
Equipment will begin securing the fire control lines from First Butte up to North Twentymile Peak. With the additional equipment crews can tie in a combination of hand lines, dozer lines, and existing road systems. On the southern edge, crews remain in patrol status to ensure the fire stays within containment lines. The fire remains within control lines on the northern region of the fire.
Management of the fire will transition on Friday at 6:00pm to a Type 1 Incident Management Team, Southwest Area IMT 2.
Local resource advisors will continue to provide input to protect natural and historical values at risk.
Residents will continue to see smoke and smoldering or creeping fire behavior near homes, but personnel are actively monitoring those areas. Please only call 911 if flare-ups occur near structures.
Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) evacuations for the Chewuch River drainage remain in effect. Please consult OCEM information resources at okanogancounty.org for current evacuations. Residents leaving Evacuation Level 3 areas should be extremely cautious, drive slowly, and watch for firefighters and firefighting equipment on the roadway.
Resources for additional information:
StoryMap Link: https://arcg.is/1euzWj
Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7675/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2021
Smoke Blog: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
Email: 2021.cubcreek2@firenet.gov
Highway Information: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/traffical ... fault.aspx Evacuations: https://www.okanogancounty.org/.../emer ... /index.php
Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/ ... ecovery%20
Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments):
https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
Resources: Total personnel–687; 3-type 1 IHC, 9-type 2, 4 type 2 initial attack hand crews, 6- heavy helicopters, 2- medium helicopter, 3-light lift helicopter, 28- engines, 11-dozer, 11-water tenders, and 179 overhead.
Closures: A Forest Area Emergency Closure has been issued by the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest which closes the use of multiple roads, campgrounds, and trails. Please see the enclosed links to the Forest Closure Page. https://bit.ly/3zsRtuw and map: https://bit.ly/3wZ2y50 The documents are also available on Inciweb and Facebook.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire area. Please consult the “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) for specifics. Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone” and any drones sighting in a TFR will immediately ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
Weather: A Heat Advisory remains in effect for the region thru tomorrow. Today was hot and dry over the fire, with air temperatures ranging from 90 – 100 degrees. Humidity’s were in the teens, as winds remained stagnant over the fire. Tomorrow will be another hot and dry day, with winds out of the south. By Saturday, temperatures will be well over 100 degrees in the lower elevations, while upper elevations could reach into the upper 90’s.
Air Quality: Please monitor the air quality on the incident FB page above and the WA Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ and take appropriate actions. All vehicle traffic is advised to travel with lights on for safety.
Fire Restrictions: Campfire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including developed campgrounds and congressionally designated Wilderness — call local ranger district offices for more information. https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq

[PAL]

Well, here it comes, with that slop over. It's advancing like little soldiers. Lots going on up Little Bridge Cr. and Thompson Ridge Rd. I can see Twisp River Rd. below our house, so see all the equipment coming up. Even 8 porta potties all on one rig! Logging too.
Whatever it takes to try to stop it. Little Bridge Cr. for years has been a sacrifice zone for logging and fires. But you know what? that drainage is resilient and one of my favorite places to go. No matter how bad it burns, when this is over, I'll go take a look. They are going to rough it up a bit for now. But she'll return.

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire-2021
40m ·
July 29th, 6:30 pm Air Operations

The mechanics of wildland fire suppression can be complex and fast paced because of the many ever-changing factors and variables in the fire environment. Whether it be varying fuel types and terrain, or geography and a new day’s weather, firefighters must account for every dynamic aspect to keep themselves and the surrounding communities safe.

With all the types of firefighting apparatus, tools and personnel, aviation is perhaps one of the most complex. It throws an entirely new set of logistics and safety elements into the mix of Operations.

Today, July 29th, the Cub Creek 2 Fire has nine helicopters assigned to suppression efforts on the 52,832 acre fire. These aircraft are six Type 1 helicopters (large), one Type 2 helicopter and two Type 3 helicopters.

Aviation can serve a crucial role in fire suppression when used in tandem with the boots on the ground to accomplish assigned objectives. Both ground and aviation resources must function together to be effective. Aerial assets can help slow the spread and progression of the fire so the ground resources can safely build fire line, remove fuels and conduct strategic firing operations.

While air operations are integral to fighting the fire, they are limited by fuels, weather and topography. Different fuel types – vegetation available to burn – react differently to aerial suppression efforts. Tight tree-crown spacing in tall timber does not allow retardant to reach ground level where it can do the most good. Oppositely, more open spaces such as ridge tops, prairies, grasslands and thinned timber stands are significantly more conducive to aerial applications.

With weather, inversions – a cap of stagnant air over a given area – can limit visibility and often render helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft useless as they cannot operate safely in such conditions. On the other hand, blue bird skies and clear air allow great visibility and maximum effectiveness for most air resources. Days like these also lend themselves to increased fire activity, high rates of spread and greater fire growth. Overly windy days can limit the use of aircraft as it can be too dangerous to fly or the gusty conditions limit the effectiveness of aerial retardant by blowing it off target.
Like any tool, air resources have their place in the fire fight, if and when, they can be employed safely.

For a detailed list and information on all the types of aircraft used in firefighting operations and their capabilities, click here or visit https://www.nifc.gov/aviation/aviation_main.html

[pasayten]

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires 2021

Report from Division H. Fire is at the top of Little Wolf Creek burning up to Thompson Ridge. The fire hasn't progressed much past the ridge with the aircraft support.

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire-2021
23m ·
July 29 5:45 pm Contained vs controlled

As the Cub Creek 2 Fire sits at 52,832 acres and 18% contained, one question that commonly comes up is what exactly does containment mean?

Containment is a measure of the amount of line around a wildfire that can reasonably be expected to stop the fire’s spread. It’s as much a measure of linear footage as it is confidence. On the map below, contained line is the black line.

While it might seem to take several days before there’s significant containment on any given fire, that number oftentimes grows rapidly as plans come together in several ways to build both line and confidence.

First, the line must be established. Whether built by men and women on hand crews using shovels, axes, saws and Pulaskis or bulldozers, excavators and masticators, a solid line free of consumable vegetation and down to unburnable mineral soil is what stops a fire’s growth.

Many times, the line must be constructed some distance away from the fire’s edge in order to protect the life and safety of crews on the ground. This indirect line then can be used as a starting point for strategic firing operations. These operations are coordinated with multiple personnel groups and done only under the most conducive conditions in order to ensure success and safety. Firing operations are intended to take fuel away from the advancing fire, reducing the severity of the fire’s impact and building a larger line by blackening the available fuels on firefighters’ terms. It is, quite literally, fighting fire with fire.

Once a fire reaches a high percentage of containment, it might stay at that level for weeks, even months, as pockets of unburned fuels inside the lines continue to burn. Again, containment is just as much a measure of confidence as it is miles of line on the ground.
Now that the fire is 100% contained, it’s out, right?

Unfortunately, no. Contained and controlled are two different things.

Controlled is totally out, not coming back, no flames, no smoke. Some fires can linger at 100% containment until winter rains or snow arrive and bury any and all smoldering logs, embers or ash. And even then, under the right conditions, fires can show themselves once spring comes, snow melts and the tiniest of hot ember finds just enough air and fuel to show smoke.

Rare as it might be, it does happen.

Contained: Measure of fire line that can be reasonably expected to stop the fire’s spread.
Controlled: The fire is truly out

[pasayten]

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires 2021
Favorites · 6m ·
The fire is now above Valentine Creek on the edge of Little Bridge Creek bowl. Air attack reports a slop over into Little Bridge creek and it’s burning actively above the Valentine dozer line that connects to Thompson Ridge.

[pasayten]

Afternoon VIIRS map of Cedar Creek fire 7/29... (no infrared available today)

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire-2021

July 29 2pm Operations update
The Mobile Retardant Base is at Perrygin Lake seen here providing a retardant refill for the K-max Type 1 helicopter working on the Cub Creek 2 Fire. Mobile bases allow the retardant to be moved to a spot closer to where its needed, shortening the load and return time for helicopters.

https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 6070085449

[pasayten]

Active air ops over both fires…

[pasayten]

9:00am Thursday, 7/29 - Cedar Creek Fire.
Calm, 68F with 72% RH. Smoke has pooled densely near Wolf Ridge Resort. Visibility is under 1/4 mile.

No hint of blue sky above. Birds are eerily silent just like during a full solar eclipse when they go to ground instantaneous. A respirator type of day.

Herman is still working the non-checkpoint. Apparently we’re Level 2 Evac now? Road sign says Level 2 and no passing of clipboard and pens. Herman (Tacoma - University Heights) is not a morning person. Those humongous 5:30am fire camp “trucker breakfasts” don’t sit right with his body clock. Handed him a hot sausage breakfast sandwich and a cinnamon pull-apart from the Rocking Horse. He felt the warmth through the foil wrapper. Nice smile Herman! Note: He prefers savory. BTW, if want cinnamon rolls, you might need to plan ahead. Apparently fire crews crave fresh hot cinnamon rolls too. Cleaned out! I struck out. Who would’ve thunk.

Been spending a few days working on neighboring properties. It occurred to me the FireWise principles just weren’t gaining broad traction. Being in agreement of a principle is a far cry from being an advocate for something. I’d like folks to watch the below video to understand REALLY how your home will ignite.

If you have smoldering concerns, don’t fire off those burning questions in my direction (thanks “Char” for the word play!).

I’m not a fire science guy. The last fire I fought was in the 80’s. My red card expired before Ronald Reagan’s term expired. Do your own research. Google “fire, home ignition, embers” and I pray you’ll get sucked deep into that rabbit hole and re-emerge a stout convert!

And FireWise stuff is not just a one off effort. It’s constant maintenance. Just like the tragic condo collapse in Florida, maintenance is not free but it’s also no joke. You chose to live in fire country. Accept it. One set of inspirational friends survived a fire storm a few years back in Chelan. All their neighbors’ homes were piles of ash. Their house survived. They actually hand picked and vacuumed pine needles out of the drain rock surrounding their house. Fastidiousness ruled the day. Neighbors aren’t laughing anymore.

A few more structures to address today and then my toils will diminish. Maybe catch up on the games and I’ll see how Simone Biles did?

Ember attack: https://youtu.be/_Vh4cQdH26g