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
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