Pasayten's Methow Valley Bulletin Board

Smoke Outlook for 7/19 -7/20
North Central Washington Cedar Creek, Delancy, Cub Creek2

Smoke

Expect similar smoke impacts today in the upper Methow Valley. Increased impacts will occur in the lower Methow Valley, and the Columbia River Drainage toward Omak. Smoke will settle into the valleys overnight resulting in unhealthy to hazardous air in Winthrop and Mazama between 4:00 am to mid afternoon. Mazama impacts may be worse today due to increased fire activity yesterday and a forecast West wind this afternoon. Twisp may experience a shorter period of unhealthy air than Winthrop but should still have unhealthy air in the morning and early afternoon. The Omak area is starting to have degraded air quality as of 3:00 am. Smoke should lift this afternoon.

Weather and Health

Expect slightly higher temperatures, and lower relative humidities over the fire area today. If you are running an air conditioner, ensure it is on the recirculation setting to prevent the device from pulling additional smoke into your house or vehicle. Keep doors and windows closed during periods of heavy smoke. For more information regarding smoke and health visit the Health Information Tab on the Washington Smoke Blog(https://wasmoke.blogspot.com).

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires
Evening Update
July 18, 2021
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Fire Information Line - Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires: 509-557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Winthrop, WA — Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in very steep and rocky terrain in heavy down fuels.
Cedar Creek Fire is burning south and west of State Route 20. Fire behavior picked up this afternoon. The northern portion of the fire has backed down to State Route 20 in most locations. On the western flank, fire activity increased pushing the fire up into higher elevations. In the northeastern corner, firefighters brought fire down to Huckleberry Creek and will continue to bring fire down to State Route 20 by the end of today’s operational shift. Crews anchored into old Forest Service Roads 100 and 200 putting in hose lays and reinforcing the roadbed to use as potential containment line. The southeastern portion of the fire burned with increased intensity in the Huckleberry Creek drainage as it continues to push up the western side of Sandy Butte. Increased activity this afternoon developed when the fire worked its way into pockets of heavy fuels. A hotshot crew worked on the ground while a Type 1 helicopter dropped water to decrease spread.
The strategy of containment is to use indirect tactics and construct containment lines in areas with a high probability of success. The objective is to keep the fire in the higher elevations above the Valley and away from values at risk. The Cedar Creek fire is estimated at 4,080 acres.
Delancy Fire saw an increase in fire activity this afternoon with slight growth to the east as burning debris continues to roll down slope in places. The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep, rocky, sparsely vegetated terrain and remains unstaffed due to the rugged terrain and scarce resource availability. Managers are evaluating values and risks. Containment opportunities are being actively scouted on the east side up Lost Creek Road. The fire is also being aerially monitored. The estimated size of this fire is approximately 133 acres.
Resources for additional information:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires2021
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/governme ... /index.php
Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/ ... ecovery%20
Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments): https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7655/
Resources: Total personnel – 320 : 2–type 1 hotshot crews, 1-type 2 initial attack hand crews 2- type 2 hand crews, 1-camp crew, 1-heavy helicopter, 13-engines, 1-dozer 4-water tenders, 1-masticator, 3- skidgens,1-excavator and 131 overhead.
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 ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) remains closed approximately 16 miles west of Winthrop between Silver Star and Early Winters to all traffic due to fire activity between milepost 165 and 177.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a Fire Emergency Area Closure as of July 15, 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) evacuation remains the same: Level 2 - Be Ready is issued for all persons living south of the Methow River and west of Lost River Road (Mazama entrance). For the most up to date evacuation levels see the OCEM’s website.
Weather: Clear except for smoke setting in the valley overnight. Temperatures of 55-64 degrees in the valleys with 48-55 along the mid-slope and ridges. The relative humidity will be near 15-22% in the valleys and on ridges.
Air Quality: Similar smoke conditions are expected for tomorrow with smoke settling into the Valley through the morning and lifting out in the afternoon.
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-

7/18 - Cub Creek 2 Evening Update
Cub Creek 2 Fire Wildfire
News – 3 hrs. ago
Cub Creek 2 Fire

Evening Update

July 18, 2021

Fire Information Line – (541)-670-0812 (8:00 am to 8:00 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.

Winthrop, WA — Cub Creek 2 – The fire remains split into two fingers and is growing actively to the north and northeast. The east finger continues to burn north over Boulder Creek and east up toward the First Butte Lookout and old Tripod Fire scar. The west finger is burning north paralleling the Chewuch River where it has crossed the 8 Mile Ridge and just south of Paul Mountain. The majority of the left flank of the fire is lined with dozerline from the heel of the fire to First Creek Road. The south line is being reinforced to prevent spread. The north flank remains unchecked at this time. Aerial resources assisted firefighters with retardant from large air tankers, water scooping/dropping planes, water dropping fireboss planes, and helicopters with buckets provide support to firefighters in all locations of the fire. The Cub Creek 2 Fire is estimated at 4,690 acres with a 5% containment. The fire is burning north pushed by diurnal winds during the day and south during the late evening and morning. Several calls were received today to report fires in the fire area. Please only call 911 if flare-ups are near structures.

The Washington State structure strike team has been reassigned to protect properties in the Cub Creek 2 Fire. 8 Mile Ranch is the designated staging area.

Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) evacuations for the Chewuch River drainage have been reevaluated and remain in affected. Please see the OCEM website for the most up-to-date evacuation levels and further information. The Red Cross Evacuation Center is on stand-by if needed at the Methow Valley Elementary School.

Resources for additional information: 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/governme ... /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–154 2-type 2 initial attack hand crews, 3-type 2 hand crews, 2- heavy helicopters, 1-light lift helicopter, 9-engines, 3-dozers, 2-water tenders, and 16 overhead.

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 ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions. Forest Service Campgrounds have been swept and closed along the river drainage. Additional, the following roads accessing the fire area will be closed: · Rendezvous, Banker Pass, East and West Chewuch, and at the junction of the Forest Service Roads 39 and 37 due to down powerlines, rolling debris, and falling trees. · Goat Creek Road at the junction of the 52 and 5225 Road · 100 spur of West Fawn will be closed at the 5217 Road · 100 spur of East Fawn will be closed at the 5217 Road · 5215 Road · 5008 Road 100 spur road in Bear Creek · 5009 Road 100 spur road in Ramsey Creek · 5009 Road 100 spur road in Pearrygin Creek · 4225 Road · 4235 Road Weather: Clear except for smoke settling in the valley overnight Temperatures will be 55-64 degrees in the valley and 48-55 on the ridges. Relative humidity is 45-55 % with northwest winds or down slop/valley 5-15 mph. Air Quality: Nighttime smoke flowed down into the Hwy 20 corridor overnight. Up slope winds from the valley floor should expect Unsafe for Some Groups (USG) and unhealthy air particularly when winds shift from down valley to up valley continuing until the inversion lifts. Up valley winds will then scour out the smoke. Twisp should expect moderate to USG throughout the day. Less impact should occur farther down the valley. Please monitor the air quality on the incident FB page above and the WA Smoke Blog and take appropriate actions. 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-

The Cedar Creek Fire continued to move southeast up Sandy Butte this afternoon. The fire moved into thick pockets of fuel creating increased fire behavior. #CedarCreekFire2021

Cub Creek fire grew to the north and east...

Cub Creek fire as seen from the top of Nighthawk Ridge Rd in Pine Forest facing North.

U.S. Forest Service - Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest employees moved Bear and his fellow pack animals from 8 Mile Ranch to their winter pasture during evacuations on the #CubCreek2Fire2021.

Fire is actively burning and producing a large column on the south east corner of the Cedar Creek drainage. The fire has not crossed Sandy Butte.

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires
Morning Update
July 18, 2021
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Fire Information Line - Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires: 509-557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Winthrop, WA — Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in very steep and rocky terrain in heavy down fuels.

Cedar Creek Fire is burning south and west of State Route 20. Fire behavior moderated for much of yesterday. Last night the fire pulled in on itself in numerous locations slowing the rate of spread. The northern portion of the fire has backed down to State Route 20 in most locations. The western perimeter of the fire has burned onto a ridgeline with sparse fuels slowing spread. On the southern portion of the fire, growth has been minimal as the fire burns in subalpine areas with minimal vegetation. The northeastern portion of the fire remains the most active. The fire pushed two-thirds of the way up Sandy Butte yesterday. Firefighters may conduct a burnout operation today to bring the fire’s edge down to Forest Service Road 200 to secure this section of the perimeter. Resources continue to work within the limited road systems network in this area looking for opportunities to anchor in and secure the northeast line. The strategy of containment is to use indirect tactics and construct containment lines in areas with a high probability of success. The objective is to keep the fire in the higher elevations above the Valley and away from values at risk. The Cedar Creek fire is estimated at 4,080 acres.

Delancy Fire is anticipated to be under smoke for the majority of the day leading to minimal fire activity and spread. The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep, rocky, sparsely vegetated terrain and remains unstaffed due to the rugged terrain and scarce resource availability. Managers are evaluating values and risks. Containment opportunities are being actively scouted on the east side up Lost Creek Road. The fire is also being aerially monitored. The estimated size of this fire is approximately 133 acres.

Resources for additional information:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires2021
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/governme ... /index.php
Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/ ... ecovery%20
Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments): https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7655/

Resources: Total personnel – 256 : 2–type 1 hotshot crews, 2- type 2 hand crews, 1-camp crew, 1-heavy helicopters, 13-engines, 9-water tenders, 1-masticator, 2- skidgens, and 113 overhead.

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 ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.

State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) remains closed approximately 16 miles west of Winthrop between Silver Star and Early Winters to all traffic due to fire activity between milepost 165 and 177.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a Fire Emergency Area Closure as of July 15, 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 and to identify where fire activity and firefighting operations warrant closure.

Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) evacuation remains the same: Level 2 - Be Ready is issued for all persons living south of the Methow River and west of Lost River Road (Mazama entrance).” For the most up to date evacuation levels see the OCEM’s website.
Weather: Sunday will be warmer and drier with a primarily slope and valley driven wind. Smoke could fill the Chewuch and Methow Valley in the morning around sunrise. As the day warms the smoke will likely lift out to the north with southerly transport wind. Temperatures of 85-89 degrees in the valleys with 75-80 along the mid-slope and ridges. The relative humidity will be near 15-22% in the valleys and on ridges.

Air Quality: Mazama, Winthrop, and residences upslope from the valley floor should expect periods of “USG (Unsafe for Some Groups)” and Unhealthy air, particularly when the winds shift from down valley to up valley continuing until the inversion lifts. Up valley winds will then start to scour out the smoke. Twisp should expect “Moderate” to “USG (Unsafe for Some Groups)” throughout the day. Less impacts should occur further down valley.

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-

Cub Creek 2 Fire
Morning Update
July 18, 2021

Fire Information Line – (541)-670-0812 (8:00 am to 8:00 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.

Winthrop, WA — Cub Creek 2 – The fire has fundamentally split into two fingers. The east finger is burning north over Boulder Creek and east up toward the previous Tripod Fire scar and First Butte Lookout. The west finger is burning north paralleling the Chewuch River where it has crossed the 8 Mile Ridge and just south of Paul Mountain. The majority of the left flank of the fire is lined with dozerline from the heel of the fire to First Creek Road which ties into Forest Road 140 leading to Buck Lake. The fire has burned past Buck Creek campground at this time with no damage. The north flank remains unchecked at this time. Retardant from very large air tankers, water scooping/dropping planes, water dropping fireboss planes, helicopters with buckets provide support to firefighters in all location of the fire. The Cub Creek Fire is estimated at 4,690 acres. The fire is burning north pushed by diurnal winds during the day and smoke pushed down south during the late evening and morning. If you witness the fire flaring up near any structures, call 911.
The Washington State structure strike team has been reassigned to protect properties in the Cub Creek 2 Fire. 8 Mile Ranch is the designated staging area.
Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) evacuations for the Chewuch River drainage affected by the Cub Creek 2 Fire remain. Please see the OCEM website for further information. For the most up-to-date evacuation levels see the OCEM’s website. The Red Cross Evacuation Center is located at Methow Valley Elementary School.
Resources for additional information:
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/governme ... /index.php
Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/ ... ecovery%20
Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments): https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7675/

Resources: Total personnel – 152: 2-type 2 initial attack hand crews, 3-type 2 hand crews, 2- heavy helicopters, 9-engines, 3-dozers, 2-water tenders, and 15 overhead.

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 ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
Forest Service Campgrounds have been swept and closed along the river drainage. Additional, the following roads accessing the fire area will be closed:
• Rendezvous, Banker Pass, East and West Chewuch, and at the junction of the Forest Service Roads 39 and 37 due to down powerlines, rolling debris, and falling trees.
• Goat Creek Road at the junction of the 52 and 5225 Road
• 100 spur of West Fawn will be closed at the 5217 Road
• 100 spur of East Fawn will be closed at the 5217 Road
• 5215 Road
• 5008 Road 100 spur road in Bear Creek
• 5009 Road 100 spur road in Ramsey Creek
• 5009 Road 100 spur road in Pearrygin Creek
• 4225 Road
• 4235 Road

Weather: Sunday will be warmer and drier with slope and valley driven winds. Temperatures will be 85-89 degrees in the valley and 75-80 degrees mid-slope and ridges. Winds will be down slope and turning up slope 5-9 mph with gusts to 15 mph after 10:00 am. Relative humidity will be 15-22% in the valleys and ridges.

Air Quality: Nighttime smoke flowed down into the Hwy 20 corridor overnight. Up slope winds from the valley floor should expect Unsafe for Some Groups (USG) and unhealthy air particularly when winds shift from down valley to up valley continuing until the inversion lifts. Up valley winds will then scour out the smoke. Twisp should expect moderate to USG throughout the day. Less impact should occur farther down the valley. Please monitor the air quality on the incident FB page above and the WA Smoke Blog and take appropriate actions.

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-

The Cub Creek Fire to the East from the Goat Peak Lookout...

Cub Creek july 18th morning briefing...
https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 8134743774

Cub Creek Infrared Map for 7/18... Now 4700 acres!!!



Cedar/Delancy...
https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires202 ... 3554709071

Cedar/Delancy Infrared Map for 7/18... Now 4200 acres!!!

Smoke Outlook for 7/18 - 7/19
North Central Washington Cedar Creek, Delancy, Cub Creek 2

Weather conditions today will be similar to yesterday, although smoke impacts may be greater due to additional smoke in the airshed. Mazama, Winthrop, and residences upslope from the valley floor should expect periods of USG and Unhealthy air, particularly when the winds shift from downvalley to upvalley continuing until the inversion lifts. Upvalley winds will then start to scour out the smoke. Twisp should expect Moderate to USG throughout the day. Less impacts should occur further downvalley.

Consider creating an inexpensive clean room in your house even if you don’t have an air purifier. Utilize a box fan with a filter taped to it in a room with a closed door and closed windows. Avoid activities that mobilize particulates like vacuuming, frying food, and burning candles and incense. For more information go to the Health Information Tab on the Washington Smoke Blog

https://wasmoke.blogspot.com

Mt Vernon Firefighters on the Cub Creek fire...

Katherine Gunn Bennett
Okanogan Highlands Fire Watch Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/OHfirewatch/

Just an FYI:
Cub Creek/Chewuch Area residents need to keep a lookout for possible prowlers looking for empty homes. Red Truck and a Honda car.

Please keep comments civil. We are here to protect each other, not moan and groan and personal opinions.
Only warning.

Fire District 6 pics from the Cub Creek fire...

LARGE Cub Creek fire growth yesterday!... Click pic to see full size...

and a good pic showing two fingers of growth (from Lewis Butte)...

Very smoky and unhealthy air this morning... Click pic to see full size...
Air is OK inside our house as it is highly fltered!
Our house is the "429" circle near the center... Inside it is only 18...

https://www.purpleair.com/map?opt=1/mAQ ... /-120.1999

Avis Peterson

My chores are done. Trying to untangle my brain, sleep is minutes away. To all of our peeps, thank you for encouragement. If only we could channel those vibes to those who are weary, suffering loss, and those just holding onto their foundations

https://gofund.me/e1de99c9

Okanogan County Fire Dist 6 firefighters monitor retardant drops as aerial resources continue operations this evening on the Cub Creek 2 Fire.

Cub Creek 2 Fire

Evening Update

July 17, 2021 Evening

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Fire Information Line – (541)-670-0812 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Winthrop, WA — Cub Creek 2 – Extended attack of the Cub Creek 2 Fire continued today with retardant drops from large air tankers, water scooping/dropping planes, helicopters with buckets and various ground forces of hand crews and engines. The fire burned vigorously throughout the day on Washington Department of Natural Resource and Okanogan County Fire District 6 protected lands and also the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The majority of the left flank of the fire is lined with dozer line from the heel of the fire to First Creek Road which ties into Forest Road 140 leading to Buck Lake. The north flank remains unchecked at this time. The northeast flank is backing down toward West Chewuch Road where it had crossed north of the junction of the East and West Chewuch Road to Heaton Homestead. The fire is also located east of Boulder Creek Road and is burning towards the north being pushed by diurnal winds. Northwest Incident Management Team 8 assumed management of the fire this evening at 6 p.m. Tonight, a night shift of firefighters include a 20-person handcrew, five engines, and multiple overhead.

The Washington State structure strike team has been reassigned to protect properties in the Cub Creek 2 Fire. 8 Mile Ranch is the designated staging area.

Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) evacuations for the Chewuch River drainage effected by the Cub Creek 2 Fire remain. Please see the OCEM website for further information. For the most up-to-date evacuation levels see the OCEM’s website. The Red Cross Evacuation Center is located at Methow Valley Elementary School.

Resources for additional information:

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/governme ... /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 – 152: 2-type 2 initial attack hand crews, 3-type 2 hand crews, 2- heavy helicopters, 9-engines, 3-dozers, 2-water tenders, and 15 overhead.

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 ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.

Forest Service Campgrounds have been swept and closed along the river drainage. Additional, the following roads accessing the fire area will be closed:


Rendezvous, Banker Pass, East and West Chewuch, and at the junction of the Forest Service Roads 39 and 37 due to down powerlines, rolling debris, and falling trees.
Goat Creek Road at the junction of the 52 and 5225 Road
100 spur of West Fawn will be closed at the 5217 Road
100 spur of East Fawn will be closed at the 5217 Road
5215 Road
5008 Road 100 spur road in Bear Creek
5009 Road 100 spur road in Ramsey Creek
5009 Road 100 spur road in Pearrygin Creek
4225 Road
4235 Road
Weather: The skies will become clear with temperatures 55-64 degrees in the valley and 48-55 degree on the ridges. The relative humidity will be near 45-55% in the valleys and 50-60% on the ridges.

Air Quality: Nighttime smoke may flow down into the Hwy 20 corridor overnight with some visibility restrictions possible. Smoke will lift later Sunday morning. Please monitor the air quality on the incident FS page above WA Smoke Blog and take appropriate actions.

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-

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires
Evening Update
July 17, 2021
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Fire Information Line - Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires: 509-557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Winthrop, WA — Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in very steep and rocky terrain in heavy down fuels.
Cedar Creek Fire is burning south and west of State Route 20. The fire is spreading very slowly in all directions. On the eastern perimeter, the fire has established itself on the eastern side of Cedar and Huckleberry Creeks confluence where a hotshot hand crew continues to slow forward progress using helicopter water drops. Today, the fire moved two-thirds of the way up the western slope of Sandy Butte. Firefighters have identified primary and contingency options for stopping spread of the eastern edge utilizing indirect line, natural features and re-established dozer line. The majority of the northern perimeter of the fire has reached State Route 20 after slowly backing down the slope. The western and southern edges of the fire experienced minimal growth during today’s operational shift. The strategy of containment is to use indirect tactics and construct containment lines in areas with a high probability of success. The objective is to keep the fire in the higher elevations above the Valley and away from values at risk. The Cedar Creek fire is estimated at 3,696 acres.
Delancy Fire remained smoked in for the majority of the day resulting in minimal fire growth and activity. Managers are evaluating values and risks. Containment opportunities are being actively scouted on the east side up Lost Creek Road. The fire is also being aerially monitored. The estimated size of this fire is approximately 130 acres.
Resources for additional information:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires2021
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/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7655/
Resources: Total personnel – 256 : 2–type 1 hotshot crews, 2- type 2 hand crews, 1-camp crew, 3-heavy helicopters, 13-engines, 9-water tenders, 1-masticator, 2- skidgens, and 113 overhead.
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 ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) remains closed approximately 16 miles west of Winthrop between Silver Star and Early Winters to all traffic due to fire activity between milepost 165 and 177.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a Fire Emergency Area Closure as of July 15, 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 and to identify where fire activity and firefighting operations warrant closure.
Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) evacuation remains the same: Level 2 - Be Ready is issued for all persons living south of the Methow River and west of Lost River Road (Mazama entrance).” For the most up to date evacuation levels see the OCEM’s website.
New evacuations have been issued for the Chewuch River drainage as effected by the Cub Creek 2 Fire. Please see the OCEM website for further information.
Weather: Temperatures of 55-64 degrees in the valleys with 48-55 along the mid-slope and ridges. The relative humidity will be near 45-55% in the valleys and 50-60% on the ridges.
Air Quality: Nighttime smoke may flow into the Hwy 20 corridor overnight Saturday with some visibility restrictions possible on Sunday morning. Smoke will lift later Sunday morning.
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
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View from Twin Lakes road 6:30 pm

Pics looking north and east from the Lundgren Ranch