Cedar Creek/Delancy/Cub Creek Fires

[pasayten]

Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires 2021

This morning, firefighters have started on burnout operations around the southeastern corner of the fire near the 5005 road. You may see additional smoke coming from this area.

In the fire 'triangle,' a fire needs three elements to ignite and continue to burn: oxygen, heat and fuel. Burnout operations help reduce that third element of fuel. Firefighters strategically set fire to consume fuels such as brush between the fireline and the wildfire. This helps create a wider buffer between the constructed fireline and the wildfire.

[pasayten]

Cub Creek Fire...

July 25 10:30 am Ops Update for the Cub Creek 2 Fire
We spoke with Operations and they said the fire continues to back into the Breviconnes area. That means the wind pushes it one way but it still backs into the wind the other way, but slowly. There are resources there and they are monitoring the situation.
We will post more as we get it.

[pasayten]

Cedar Creek Fire...

Yesterday, heavy equipment was busy improving the fireline in southeast corner. Dozers were clearing line while logging equipment cleared trees to improve the fireline. This work to improve the fireline is continuing today.

[pasayten]

Benjamin Drummond

UPDATED MAP for Sunday, 7-25
Here's the Thompson Ridge and Sun Mountain planned fire line map from 7/25, overlaid with Sun Mountain trails (blue) via Trailforks. It looks like there will be dozer line near Lower Fox, dozer up from Black Bear to View Ridge at Sun Mtn and down to Sunnyside and the Sun Mountain road. Then they'll use Thompson Ridge Rd to the crest, open an old road near the top to connect with FS100 and the new Thompson Ridge trail, then push NW with a combination of dozer and hand line along the wilderness boundary. The northern half of the Thompson Ridge Trail, Gobblers Knob and Lower Climate will be inside the line, as will Beaver Pond, Rodeo, Overland etc.

[pasayten]

Winds continued through much of the night, keeping the fire active. Crews were in place and were able to maintain and hold existing containment line. Structure protection was in place near private homes and structures. None are reported to be lost.
Photo was taken at Hwy 20 and Chewuch RD last night at 11:00 pm. photo Credit: Justin Schamel

Michael Chiu
6:30am, Sunday 7/25: Cedar Creek Fire: Calm, 59F and 71% RH near Wolf Ridge Resort. Heavy smoke but blue skies visible above. Significant and prolonged fire activity began last night at about 9:15pm when the subsiding diurnal winds decided to really pick up. Dark plumes developed quickly on both the Lucky Jim Bluff/Mazama end and the Virginian Ridge end. Winds at ridge top appeared to be ~20 mph while temps remained >80F at valley bottom. Frequent torching of trees visible along steep face of Lucky Jim Bluff. Wind direction remained favorable through the night blowing smoke and embers ESE to SE keeping flame front South of the visible ridgeline (I cannot see the actual top of Virginian Ridge from my location). Fire intensity peaked at around 1245am. Massive flame heights as volatile compounds within the smoke combusted. I estimated one to be 150-250’ above tree top. Heard several trees explode. Roar of flames now audible. Distinct sound of leaf blowers audible above me on the bench where a few homes are located and also to towards Green Rd. Assume fire crews where clearing leaf litter from home ignition zone. Winds finally subsided and temps began to fall at 1:45am. Fire settled down for the night at 2:30am.

[pasayten]

Cedar/Delancy 7/25

Video Briefing... https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires202 ... 4851475667

Morning Update
July 25, 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: Fire is currently estimated at 24,647 acres and 11% contained. Firefighters have solidified the eastern portion of the line between Looney Creek and Badger Creek continuing to mop-up and patrol. Between Boulder Creek and Falls Creek, the fire is backing downslope where resources are holding the containment line. Last night, the fire burned actively between Falls Creek and Wolf Creek reaching containment lines along the 5005 Road where firefighters currently are holding the line.
Yesterday, resources prepared dozer line from Wolf Creek to Forest Service Road 4410 continuing up Thompson Ridge. Today, crews will continue with proposed handline following the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness boundary with the support of aerial resources. Fire managers are also preparing contingency line south of the fire along the 4410 and 4415 Roads.
On the western perimeter, fire continues to slowly back down avalanche chutes along the Silver Star drainage. Fireline along State Route 20 between Silver Star Creek and Early Winters Campground has backed down to the road where firefighters continue to monitor the fire’s edge. Fire between Cedar Creek and Looney Creek is slowly progressing downslope where firefighters are securing the line as fire reaches the base of Sandy Butte ridgeline.
The current strategy is to 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.
Delancy Fire: Fire activity remains minimal with decreased smoke and movement over the past couple days. The fire is expected to continue to creep and smolder in steep, rocky, sparsely vegetated terrain. Fire managers are evaluating values and risks. Containment opportunities are being actively scouted on the east side up Lost River Road. The fire is being monitored by aircraft. The estimated size of this 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 - 520: 2 - type 1 hotshot crews 1- type 2 IA crew, 5 - type 2 hand crews, 2 - camp crews, 4 - type 1 (heavy) helicopters, 1 - type 2 helicopter, 2 - type 3 helicopter, 36 - engines, 5 - dozers, 17 - water tenders,1 - masticator, 2 - skidgens, and 148 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 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 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) 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.
Weather: Warm temperatures will continue, with upslope/upvalley winds in the morning. Wind will become northwesterly during the afternoon, slightly increased from yesterday gusting to around 20 mph during the afternoon and evening. Smoke will still persist through much of the day. There are indications that dryness above the ridges will increase overnight Monday. Maximum temperatures 80-88 valleys and 75-80 ridges. Relative humidity will be 18-23 percent valleys and 23-28 percent ridges.
Air Quality: Slope and valley winds will prevail over the fire area today with west winds on ridges in the afternoon. Air quality in Mazama will improve with the west winds. Smoke around the fire area should lift by noon. Smoke from Canada will impact communities in the Okanogan Valley in the morning with down-valley winds in Oroville and Tonasket. Air quality improvements from Pateros north through the Okanogan Valley should start mid-morning. Upper Methow Valley smoke impacts could decrease Sunday with W/SW winds and more instability.
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
This incident is being managed by Northwest Incident Management Team 8.
-End-

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire
Morning Update
July 25, 2021

Video Briefing... https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 2538926312

Fire Information Line – (509)-593-0574 (8:00 am to 9:00 pm)
For a shareable PDF of this update, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d-LdXC ... M0g85/view
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 42,785 acres with 10% containment.
Overnight the fire remained within existing control lines, where moderate fire activity continued along the eastern flank because of heavy dead and down fuels from the 2006 Tripod Fire. Infrared is still picking up heat in the Eight Mile Creek drainage between the 2018 McLeod Fire and the 2014 Upper Falls Creek Fire. Crews are working aggressively to minimize fire spread south towards Cub Creek, as there is no recent fire history in this area. As the temperatures rise and winds increase out of the west today, an area of concern for crews is along Cub Pass and Cabin Creek because of the variations of fuel, specifically sub Alpine Fur. Additionally, the area around Pebble Creek where it has crossed continues to challenge resources, while they continue to look for opportunities to go direct along the fires edge work has stared on alternative lines. Increased fire activity and spotting will challenge firefighters, but with the wind pushing out the smoke, aviation resources should be able to be more fully utilized to slow the spread of the fire.
The priority for crews today is to strengthen control lines on the south - eastern flank of the fire perimeter. On the southern portion of the fire, crews will increase containment lines to minimize any potential fire spread towards Winthrop. Along the western flank of the fire perimeter, crews will work aggressively to minimize spread by using aviation to slow the spread of the fire. The fire is burning along the ridge tops adjacent to Eight Mile Lake, with dry and dead fuels. On the eastern flank, near Ramsey Peak, crews will continue work to establish secondary control lines.
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–535; 2-type 1 IHC, 8-type 2, 4 type 2 initial attack hand crews, 3- heavy helicopters, 1- medium helicopter, 2-light lift helicopter, 24- engines, 7-dozer, 8-water tenders, and 94 overhead.
Closures: A new 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 poor relative humidity recoveries. Winds were light out of the northwest at 4-8 mph with gusts of up to 15mph on the west side. Today, will be hot and dry, with winds will be out of the west – south/west along the ridgetops, guests up to 17 mph. This will cause the smoke to be pushed out on the western flank of the fire perimeter, allowing rotary wing aircraft to support crews on the ground. In the valley, temperatures will range from 87 -94 degrees; along the slopes and ridges temperatures will range from 78 – 84 degrees. The region will remain dry, with relative humidity between 17 – 24%.
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]

Smoke Outlook for 7/25 - 7/26
North Central Washington
Cedar Creek, Delancy, Cub Creek 2 Fires


Smoke

Slope and valley winds will prevail over the fire area today with west winds on ridges in the afternoon. Air quality in Mazama will improve with the west winds. Smoke around the fire area should lift by noon. Smoke from Canada will impact communities in the Okanogan Valley in the morning with downvalley winds in Oroville and Tonasket. Air quality improvements from Pateros north through the Okanogan Valley should start mid morning. Upper Methow Valley smoke impacts could decrease Sunday with W/SW winds and more instability.

Health

Utilize N95 masks in heavy smoke if you need to be outside. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy. For information on smoke and health visit the Washington Smoke Blog.

[mister_coffee]

Time lapse videos of Virginian Ridge last night from above Big Valley, approximately 100x speedup:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wayekdpndhq3te0/800.mp4?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wdhev2lu3npz9v4/1130.mp4?dl=0

[pasayten]

Cedar Creek Fire 7/25 Sunday VIIRS Image...

and Infrared Perimeter Mao...

[pasayten]

Here's some good video of a timber processor/harvester working. It's the same machinery that's been working all day in Division M and P (see post before this). A timber processor/harvester cuts trees, then strips off the branches with rollers and stacks them. Video credit: Travis Thane

https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 2937934694

[pasayten]

Folks, feel free to post your own wildfire pictures, comments, and links on https://pasayten.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=76

[pasayten]

Kim Cannon
Looking from Eastside Rd towards Sun Mt

10:00pm Saturday 7/24: Cedar Creek Fire
Micheal Chiu

Fire Watch again tonight… 45 min cat naps in the recliner before checking wind direction and if firebrands are dropping.

Conditions were 79F and RH rising to 39% with Easterly (down valley) winds.

Thought the Cedar Creek Fire was settling in for the evening as winds abated and the smoke dissipated. A down-valley breeze was blowing 2-5 mph and lifted smoke up for some fresh air (1st pic @ 8:30pm).

The wnds then picked up to 15-20 mph on the valley floor and large dark plumes developed on the East and West end. Single trees were torching all along Lucky Jim Bluff. Virginian Ridge also sent off a big plume and multiple trees torched simultaneously. Hope winds cease soon and temps/RH drop quickly.

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire
Evening Update
July 24, 2021

Video briefing: https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 9787112393

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 42,785 acres with 10% containment.
This morning the smoke limited visibility for fixed wing and rotary aircraft to provide air attack for crews on the ground. The air did clear a bit in the afternoon on the eastern flank that allowed for some aerial suppression activities. The fire remains split into east and west flanks actively burning on all sides. Both of the flanks continue to move in the northern section toward previously burned areas from the Mcleod and Tripod fires. These fire scars are moderating fire behavior.
On the southern portion of the fire, crews continue to successfully work at establishing containment lines that would limit fire spread towards Winthrop. Crews continue to build and improve lines as well as tying into existing dozer lines on the western flak. Dozer lines were reinforced and established at the 57 and 100 Roads, as well as up to Cub Pass. The fire continues to burn at the ridge tops along 8-mile Lake, with dry and dead fuels. On the eastern flank, near Ramsey Peak, crews have begun work to establish secondary control lines.
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–535; 2-type 1 IHC, 8-type 2, 4 type 2 initial attack hand crews, 3- heavy helicopters, 1- medium helicopter, 2-light lift helicopter, 24- engines, 7-dozer, 8-water tenders, and 94 overhead.
Closures: A new 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's temperatures were in the 90’s with poor humidity recoveries, ranging from 19 – 25%. Winds were reduced from yesterday primarily following drainages. Tonight winds are expected to remain light NW 4-8 mph with gusts of up to 15mph on the west side. The fire areas are expected to have poor overnight recoveries.
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]

Cub Creek 2 Fire
Evening Update
July 24, 2021
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 42,785 acres with 10% containment.
This morning the smoke limited visibility for fixed wing and rotary aircraft to provide air attack for crews on the ground. The air did clear a bit in the afternoon on the eastern flank that allowed for some aerial suppression activities. The fire remains split into east and west flanks actively burning on all sides. Both of the flanks continue to move in the northern section toward previously burned areas from the Mcleod and Tripod fires. These fire scars are moderating fire behavior.
On the southern portion of the fire, crews continue to successfully work at establishing containment lines that would limit fire spread towards Winthrop. Crews continue to build and improve lines as well as tying into existing dozer lines on the western flak. Dozer lines were reinforced and established at the 57 and 100 Roads, as well as up to Cub Pass. The fire continues to burn at the ridge tops along 8-mile Lake, with dry and dead fuels. On the eastern flank, near Ramsey Peak, crews have begun work to establish secondary control lines.
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–535; 2-type 1 IHC, 8-type 2, 4 type 2 initial attack hand crews, 3- heavy helicopters, 1- medium helicopter, 2-light lift helicopter, 24- engines, 7-dozer, 8-water tenders, and 94 overhead.
Closures: A new 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's temperatures were in the 90’s with poor humidity recoveries, ranging from 19 – 25%. Winds were reduced from yesterday primarily following drainages. Tonight winds are expected to remain light NW 4-8 mph with gusts of up to 15mph on the west side. The fire areas are expected to have poor overnight recoveries.
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]

Another way of being “on the line”: The middle of July for many in the Methow Valley means spending time enjoying the beauty of this special community or maybe traveling and vacationing. As high temperatures and acutely dry conditions brought fire into the Valley, Kris Caldwell of Winthrop wanted to help. Unsure how, she asked around, and found Bishop Services, Inc., a food caterer, who welcomed her onboard as an employee. Now she spends her days preparing meals for more than 800 firefighters grateful for the comfort a hot meal and good nutrition give to their day.
Other Methow Valley residents work with Kris to make a direct impact to the firefighting efforts. Joining her are local residents Carla Payne and Tammy Hill, both of Twisp, and Jill Scott of Carlton.
The days are long and conditions aren’t exactly comfortable but it seems good natured attitudes and the shared goals of Methow Valley residents to help their communities and firefighters have surmounted any difficulties. The camaraderie extended by their coworkers of Bishop Services, Inc., is obvious and heartfelt. Thank you Kris, Carla, Tammy, and Jill, we’re grateful for you and your coworkers.

[pasayten]

5:00 pm July 24 Cub Creek Fire Update

Firefighters are making good progress this afternoon on the Cub Creek 2 Fire. Hard work has been completed clearing new line and improving other line in preparation for the approaching fire.
In Division P near Cub Pass, the dozer line and brushing (removing brush) along the FS road 150 has been completed. Dozer line and brushing is also complete along FS road 157 all the way to Cub Pass. Crews will continue looking for and dropping snags along FS roads 157 and 150.
In Division M, in the Methow State Wildlife area, engines are working on a fuel break along FS road 100. One engine and fallers have been working on both the East and West roads that run along Chewuch. Two crews and initial attack resources are working on hardining (improving and widening) the line in the First Creek area.

[pasayten]

Air rersources up and looking around... Will post tracks when a pattern forms...

[pasayten]

Cub Creek Fire...

Afternoon update of fire activity: Additional equipment arrived today and is being sent to work in the Thompson Ridge area to improve the fire line. Crews are currently working on extinguishing a spot fire that crossed over the fireline (not the highway) near Early Winters Creek. Air operations have been a challenge today with smoke conditions and visibility. Aircraft will resume operations as soon as it is safe to do so.

[pasayten]

Thank you for the continued support! These signs are a great morale boost as firefighters work in hot and smoky conditions!

You can see in the background how the fire is backing down the slope on the northeast section of the fire. Firefighters are monitoring this fire activity as they continue to improve fireline between the fire and structures and mop up areas where fire has met the line.

[pasayten]

Map of fire line construction for the Cedar Creek fire.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WAOWF/2 ... 69-CDT.pdf

[pasayten]

Cub Creek 2 Fire
Morning Update
July 24, 2021
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 42,786 acres with 10% containment.
Last night the fire remained active, with crews providing structure protection, as well as monitoring slop overs along Road 900, extinguishing spot fires and mopping up adjacent to existing control lines. This morning the smoke will be a challenge for crews because aviation resources will not have the visibility to safely provide air attack for crews on the ground. In the afternoon winds will become light and variable, temperatures will warm up into the 90’s in the valley, with humidity between 19 – 25%. Fire activity will increase around noon as the temperatures increase and some of the smoke dissipates.
The fire remains active along Road 52, where crews and heavy equipment have been working aggressively to establish control lines, as well as tie them into completed control lines. The fire continues to back down slopes, with occasional torching and short crown fires. Fuels in the lower elevations are characterized by grass and shrub, and in the higher elevations by timber and understory with a high amount of down dead fuel components.
The fire remains split into east and west flanks actively burning on all sides. Both of the flanks continue to move in the northern section toward previously burned areas from the Mcleod and Tripod fires. These fire scars are moderating fire behavior. On the southern portion of the fire, crews will continue to strengthen control lines to limit fire spread towards Winthrop.
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–441; 1-type 1 IHC, 4-type 2 initial attack hand crews, 8-type 2 hand crews, 2- heavy helicopters, 1- medium helicopter, 2-light lift helicopter, 23- engines, 4-dozer, 7-water tenders, and 92 overhead.
Closures: A new 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's temperatures will be in the 90’s and humidity recoveries will be low, between 19 – 25%. Winds will be less active. between 5-7 mph along the ridge tops. In the morning hours, the smoke will be predominant, but as the winds increase this afternoon, some of the smoke should blow out of the va
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]

Smoke Outlook for 7/24 - 7/25
North Central Washington
Cedar Creek, Delancy, Cub Creek 2
Smoke
West winds over the fire areas will shift to upslope/upvalley in the late morning. As upslope/upvalley winds set up, smoke in communities further from the fires may start to lift. But, with the upvalley flow expect more smoke to persist in the upper Methow Valley through much of the day. Smoke from Canada will impact communities in the Okanogan Valley in the morning as downvalley winds prevail primarily in Oroville and Tonasket. Air quality improvements from Pateros north through the Okanogan Valley should start mid morning. Upper Methow Valley smoke impacts could decrease Sunday with W/SW winds.
Health
Utilize N95 masks in heavy smoke if you need to be outside. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy. Consider setting up a clean room in your house, or even better - taking that vacation you’ve been planning to a part of the country with clean air!

[pasayten]

Cedar/Delancy OPerational Briefing... 7/24

https://www.facebook.com/MazamaFires202 ... 5305933798


Cub Creek...
https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2 ... 5425928258

[pasayten]

Infrared map of fire perimeters July 24, 2021.

Cedar/Delancy...
Successful burnout operations near Virginian Ridge can be seen on infrared map. Delancy fire shows no growth.

Caltopo...

Cub Creek...