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-
