7-31-14 Updated Evacuation Information 7pm

The Okanogan County Sheriff confirmed today that the two areas in level 2 evacuations (areas in orange) and all of the areas in level 1 evacuations (areas in yellow) will remain in level 1 through the weekend unless there is a significant change in the fire situation.

7-31-14 Okanogan County Burn Ban 4pm

Okanogan County Commissioners' established burn ban on outdoor burning of combustible materials in the County.  Combustible materials may include, but are not limited to, outdoor burning of yard waste and non-emergent agricultural burning.

For information about DNR and FS contact:

DNR' s  - 800- 323-BURN(2876), the U. S.

Forest Service Tonasket Ranger District at 509- 486-2186

Methow Valley Ranger District at 509- 996- 4003

Smoke Column Update

Smoke column from the Lone Mountain 1 Fire is visible to the northwest of the Carlton Complex. More information about the Lone Mountain 1 Fire can be found on it's Inciweb page.
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3978/

7/31/2014 Carlton Complex IR Map from overnight 1:30 PM

This map shows where heat was still on the #CarltonComplex overnight last night 7/30/2014

Carlton Complex East Zone Update Thursday, July 31, 2014

This Update Covers the Carlton Complex’s EAST ZONE

The fire (total complex) is now 71% contained, with a size of 251,698 acres.

Today’s activities: Firefighters are continuing the hot, difficult work of “mopping up” and strengthening the fire line, especially in the areas south of Highway 20 towards the summit of Loop Loop.  In addition, a structure protection group continues to work in the Chiliwist Valley, searching for and putting out hotspots to a distance of 300 feet around homes and other buildings.  Flare-ups were reported in the Chiliwist Valley yesterday, in riparian areas that have only partially burned.

Because the complexity of the fire is decreasing and the fire line is secure in many areas, a Type 1 Incident Management Team can now handle day-to-day operations, in place of the previous three teams.  The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 1, Pete Blume, Incident Commander, will assume control of the East Zone of the fire the end of the day shift, today.  The new team is in the process of taking command of all three fire zones, however there is no significant change in the number of firefighters or resources on the incident.  Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 3 wishes to thank the residents of the Okanogan Valley for their cooperation and support during the past two weeks.

Wednesday’s Highlights:  As expected, flare-ups continued within the fire perimeter, due to lingering hotspots and the hot, dry weather.  Smoke columns from the Carlton Complex and from two large fires to the south, were visible across the area.   Flare-ups and smoke from within the fire perimeter are expected again today.  Much of the smoke visible from Omak and Okanogan has been coming from the Leecher Mountain area, and firefighters and air resources from other zones have been working to contain those flare-ups.  Other crews burned a small section south of Loop Loop Summit in order to isolate an unburned “island” of fuel and thereby strengthen the fire line.  That operation was a success.

Omak camp is moving: Fire camp is moving today, to the Okanogan County Fairgrounds, so the Omak Stampede can get ready for its opening on August 7^th.  Please watch out for extra traffic and drive defensively.  

Evacuation levels and local road closures: Some residential areas along Highway 20 west of Okanogan remain at Evacuation Level 2.  Updates will be on the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Facebook page and the Carlton Complex blogspot.  Roads may open and close at any time if fire conditions change. 

Road Conditions:  Afternoon increases in fire activity could affect safety for travelers in the region.  For updated road conditions, contact the Washington Department of Transportation (www.wsdot.com or call 511).

Carlton Complex South Zone July 31 Update

Fire Name: Carlton Complex (South Zone)

 Acres: 251,698 (total complex)               Start Date:  7/14/2014               Cause: Lightning               

Location: The Carlton Complex South Zone is located on private, state and federally managed lands north of Chelan, Washington.

Current Information:

Fuels are extremely dry and helicopters have been drenching the fireline to help crews secure and hold the fire within containment lines. Interior islands of fuels continue to burn making smoke columns visible.  Helicopters and fire crews remain prepared for any new fire starts in the area with engines, water dropping helicopters and airtankers. Patrol and mop-up around structures along highway 153 and 97 corridors will continue.  Estimated containment of the fire in the South Zone is 97%. Firefighters have made great progress constructing handline in the heavy vegetation and steep terrain, while working to safeguard containment lines. There is no threat from fire activity to the cities of Pateros, Brewster, Chelan, or Manson.

Demobilizing of crews has started as the South Zone of the Carlton fire nears containment.

The weather forecast is predicting winds to be light in the morning with isolated gusts this afternoon.

Effective immediately, donations of goods are no longer accepted for victims of wildfires Carlton Complex.  The generosity of donors has exceeded the capacity of the Okanogan County resources to manage and store donations.  Items will be collected and moved to a central location and then distributed to members of the community.  If you want to help victims of the wildfires Carlton complex wildfire, monetary donations can be made to the American Red Cross or other agencies that provide assistance to those affected.

Advisories:                                               

Portions of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest remain closed due to the fire activity.  Please contact the Fire Information line listed at the top of the page for more specific information.

The community of Lake Chelan would like the public to know that businesses are open as usual.

Carlton Complex Update 7-31-14

Carlton Complex Fire Update

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team- Pete Blume, Incident Commander          

Information Center:  509-996-9971

Hours of operation: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Email: carltoncomplexfire@gmail.com

July 31, 2014

8 a.m.              

Special Message:  All businesses are open in the Methow Valley to residents and visitors. Traffic in residential areas impacted by fire is limited to local residents.

The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team and Carlton Complex firefighters express our deepest condolences to the family and fire crew of the firefighter who died on the Launch Fire in Oregon yesterday (wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com).

Current Situation:

Multiple smoke plumes were visible from the Methow Valley yesterday. The majority of the fuels burning were within the existing fire perimeter. The fire increased 673 acres in size. Air resources continue to play a significant role on the fire with the steep terrain. Helicopters with water buckets were used to keep the fire within containment lines. The helicopters will be using Campbell Lake and Davis Lake for water. The fire was very active in the Leecher Mountain Lookout area, but the lookout itself was not damaged. A helitack crew dispatched to assist with a spot fire in the south fork of Gold Creek. Aggressive measures are being taken to contain the spot fire utilizing crews and air support. Good progress was made containing the portion of the fire near Foggy Dew. Two spot fires were present in the Tripod Burn scar on the north end of the fire. Engines continue to patrol neighborhoods and respond to resident fire and smoke concerns 24 hours a day. Early this morning, a half-acre reburn occurred near the westside of Beaver Creek, south of Highway 20.

Residents can continue to expect hazy conditions due to smoke. Today’s fire suppression priority areas include: Foggy Dew, the Leecher Mountain Lookout, north of Highway 20 and south of the southfork of Beaver Creek, and the north end of the fire near Pearrygin.  Activities include strengthening the containment lines on active portions of the fire line and mop up on fire containment lines behind homes. Five dozers will be working in the 2012 burn area on Leecher Mountain. Rehabilitation of containment lines in the valley areas has started.

Weather:  A Haines Index of 5 is predicted for today.  The Haines Index measures the stability and dryness of the air over the fire.  A Haines Index of 5 indicates that there is a moderate potential for large fire growth. 

Evacuations and Closures:  For information on evacuations please check with the Okanogan Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Service Center (509) 846-2122.

For information on highway closures: Washington Department of Transportation, www.wsdot.wa.gov. Information on trail, road and campground closures: Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, (509) 996-4000.

Media Briefings:  Media briefings are available upon request.

Fire Statistics:   

Location: 5 Miles SW of Okanogan, 7 Miles south of Twisp             Start Date: 07/14/2014   

Complex Size:  251,698 acres                                                       Percent Contained: 71%

Cause:  Lightning                                                                       Total Personnel: 3,116

Resources Include:  13 Type 1 hand crews,  42 Type 2 hand crews,  27 Type 2 initial attack crews, 171 engines,

45 water tenders, and 722 overhead personnel

Air Resources:  8 Type 1 helicopters,  7 Type 2 helicopters, and  7 Type 3 helicopters, 1 air support module

Places to get information:

Blog: carltoncomplex.blogspot.com

Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3967/

Twitter:  #carltoncomplex; Rocky Mountain IMT @rmt1pio

Facebook:  Carlton Complex Fire; Rocky Mountain IMT: https://www.facebook.com/RockyMtn.Type1.IMT.PIOs.

Information Boards:  Information is posted on community boards in Winthrop, Twisp, and Carlton. 

7-30-14 Carlton Complex Evening Update 7pm

        

Carlton Complex Fire Update                              

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team- Pete Blume, Incident Commander

Information Center:  509-996-9971

Hours of operation: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Email: carltoncomplexfire@gmail.com

July 30, 2014

6:00pm

AFTERNOON UPDATE

Safety Message:

Firefighters are asking the public to not stop in roadways when fire aircraft are working in the vicinity. Please pull safely off the roadway into a established pullout and do not impede traffic.

Current Situation:

The continued trend of hot dry weather in the Methow Valley is increasing fire activity and smoke impacts to residents this afternoon.  Multiple active smoke columns are visible in the Methow Valley.  Air resources (helicopters with water buckets) are assisting with fire suppression efforts to keep pockets of burning fuel within the fire perimeter from expanding outside of containment lines. Helitack was dispatched to assist with a spot fire in the area of the southfork of Gold Creek. Fire activity continues around the Leecher Mountain Lookout. Crews are making good progress on the east fire perimeter near Upper Gold Creek and Foggy Dew campground.

Smoke haze from the Lone Mountain fire is impacting the upper drainage of the Twisp River.

Weather:  A Haines Index of 5 is predicted for today.  The Haines Index measures the stability and dryness of the air over the fire.  A Haines Index of 5 indicates that there is a moderate potential for large fire growth.

Evacuations and Closures:  There are multiple evacuations and pre-evacuations in effect for the fire area and vicinity.   For more information on evacuations please check with the Okanogan Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Service Center (509) 846-2122.

There are multiple road and trail closures.  Information on highway closures: Washington Department of Transportation: www.wsdot.wa.gov. Information on trail, road and campground closures: Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest: (509) 996-4000.

Places to get information:

Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3967/

Twitter: #carltoncomplex; Rocky Mountain IMT @rmt1pio

Facebook: Carlton Complex Wildfire

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7-30-14 Update: Smoke column visible from Winthrop 7pm

The visible smoke column, seen from Winthrop, is from the unburned area near Leecher Lookout. Crews continue working to establish direct fire line in this area.

7/30/2014 Helicopters working on the Carlton Complex 4:00 PM

This is a heavy helicopter picking up a load of water from the Methow River. This helicopter can carry up to 2,600 gallons of water. 

This water will be flown to to the area of the fire where it was requested. The drop of this water will be coordinated with crews on the ground to ensure the water is dropped in the spot it needs to be.

7/30/2014 Carlton Complex Update - 3:00 PM

The west side of the interior portion of the fire, around Leecher Lookout, has heated up this afternoon and is putting up quite a bit of smoke. Firefighters continue to work in this area going direct on the fire line where they can do so safely.

In divisions S and Z in the Gold Creek and Foggy Dew area, the fire has also become more active. Smoke up on the ridge tops down to mid slope can be seen from the valley and on the highways (20 and 15.)  

There are no burn out operations taking place today.    Firefighters are using primarily direct attack on the fire in most areas.

Safety officers have noted several vehicles stopping on or very close to the road observing or taking pictures of aircraft, smoke or firefighters. These photo opportunities can be spectacular, however, the traffic issues can impede firefighters from accessing areas that are important to fire suppression activities. You can help the firefighting efforts by avoiding blocking places that firefighters and aircraft need access to. If you stop along the highway please exercise caution by using a pull out to get completely off the roadway.

7-30-14 Carlton Complex East Zone - Actualización

Esta es una actualización de la ZONA ESTE del fuego forestal Carlton Complex

Los logros de ayer: una gran columna de humos fue visto en el día de ayer en la valle del Okanogan River debido al aumento de las actividades del fuego. Temperaturas muy altas y baja humedad contribuyeron que las llamaradas sean más intensas. Hubo una columna de fuego que se originó cerca de Leecher Mountain, a lo largo de una zona que no ha sido quemado en el centro de la zona de fuego.

Recursos aéreos y combatidores de fuego de la Zona de Carlton trabajaron para apagar la llamarada. (Vea la actualización de la Zona de Carlton para más detalles). El grupo de trabajadores de incendio forestal han visto un buen progreso en contener  el fuego y  están fortaleciendo la zona de contenimiento a lo largo del sur del Highway 20. Los supervisores del incendio aplaudieron el trabajo de los bomberos por mantener y mejorar la línea de contenimiento bajo condiciones muy difíciles. Los bomberos continúan trabajando hacia el interior de la zona del fuego, lo cual significa que todo lo quemado, hasta 300 pies de la línea de contenimiento esté frio.

Actividades de hoy: El tiempo seco sigue causando “islas no quemadas” que contienen combustible que necesita ser quemado. Los bomberos fueron encargados de ampliar la zona de contención entre las líneas de fuego que aún están activas y las que ya fueron extinguidas. La zona de ampliación es ahora de 50 a 300 pies en la mayor parte, pero la zona empinada y el calor hacen que el trabajo vaya muy despacio. Si las condiciones del tiempo permiten los trabajadores puede que quemen una sección que aún no ha quemado en la zona sur de la cima del Loop Loop. Esto es para fortalecer aún más la zona de contenimiento.  Los helicópteros continuarán apoyando a los bomberos derramando agua en las zonas más calientes para moderar la intensidad del fuego.

El campamento de fuego Stampede se está moviendo: Para dar lugar a la feria anual del Omak Stampede, el campamento  de fuego de la Zona Este está en el proceso de moverse en el

Okanogan County Fairgrounds (lugar de la feria de Okanogan). Todos los eventos de la Stampede estarán tomando lugar. El campamento de fuego empezará a activarse en el fairgrounds (lugar de la feria de Okanogan) a partir del jueves en la noche. El personal de fuego aprecia el apoyo y la hospitalidad recibida de los empleados del Omak Stampede y de la comunidad de Omak.

Recursos de relevo de emergencia que se necesita: El Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Okanogan (The Okanogan County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)) está pidiendo a todos los residentes damnificados por el fuego que les haga saber si tienen asejuranza contra el fuego o no. Están pidiendo esto solo para tener una idea más certera para que puedan reportar las perdidas y tal vez tener la oportunidad de que la Agencia Federal de Manejos de Emergencia (FEMA por sus siglas en inglés) (Federal Emergency Management Agency) puedan ayudar.

Los números de teléfono del EOC son: 509-422-2422, 509-422-2428, y el 509-422-2420.

Nivel de evacuación y rutas clausuradas: Algunas zonas residenciales a lo largo del Highway 20, hacia el oeste de Okanogan aún están a nivel 2 de evacuación. Actualización sobre esto puede encontrarse en la página del Facebook del Okanogan County Sheriff y en el Carlton Complex blogspot.  Las rutas pueden abrirse o esta clausuradas de acuerdo a la condición del fuego.

Sumario del Carlton Complex: Tres equipos de bomberos están manejando este fuego en tres zonas, centro de comando de incidentes están en Omak, Winthrop, and Chelan.  Como 900 bomberos están trabajando en la Zona Este del fuego. El fuego tiene 251, 025 acres y ahora está contenido en su 67 por ciento. Las 3,104 personas asignadas a trabajar en el fuego incluyen 82 equipos, 168 máquinas 45 máquinas de agua y 23 helicópteros.

Condiciones de las rutas: El aumento de las actividades del fuego pueden afectar la seguridad de los viajeros. Para recibir la actualización de las condiciones de las rutas contacte al Departamento de Transportación del Estado de Washington. Puede llamar al 511 o visite el sitio web: wsdot.com

7-30-2014 Team Rubicon provides volunteer services to the recovery efforts in Pateros

Team Rubicon provides volunteer services to the recovery efforts in Pateros

On the afternoon of July 17^th, 2014 four wildfires merged into one large devastating fire that ran through Okanagan County.  In 48 hours approximately 312 residences were lost and the City of Pateros was devastated.  Local, State, and Federal first responders responded to the largest wildfire in Washington State history known as the Carlton Complex. In addition to these responders, a group of volunteers comprised of military veterans and first responders started to mobilize to Pateros.  That group of volunteers is Team Rubicon.  Their mission is to bring the expertise and skills learned in the military, combined with first responders, to help “bridge the gap” in disaster response and recovery.

Team Rubicon was established in 2010 after a devastating earthquake hit Haiti. Soon after the earthquake, two former Marines gathered six other veterans and first responders and headed to help. The team arrived in Haiti and went to work well ahead of any government agency, operating in areas that other agencies deemed too dangerous and refused to go.  Team Rubicon was formed.  Four years later Team Rubicon has completed more than 65 operations, in both the US and across the world. They are a 501(c)3 non profit organization whose work is supported by major commercial organizations such as Home Depot, Tyson Foods and private donations, which allows them to serve without having to bill or collect any type of funds for their work.  

When Team Rubicon deploys to a disaster area they come as an all volunteer team and have the ability to organize as an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) or a disaster medical support team.  Their members are highly trained veterans who apply the skills and expertise they acquired in the armed forces and apply them to the complexity of disaster recovery. Practitioners of the nationally adopted Incident Command System, they are well organized and can take on a variety of All-Risk, All- Hazard recovery situations.

The team is currently conducting Operation “Humble Trooper” in the City of Pateros and was requested by the city to assist in debris removal, volunteer management, damage assessments and administrative tasks needed to support the city’s ability to file the various paper work required by FEMA for recovery funding. They will also facilitate the creation of a Multiple Agency Resource Center (MARC).  This center will be the location that Local, State, Federal and private agencies will come together and coordinate during the recovery.

“The community has done a great job of pulling together; however, an event like this can be beyond overwhelming,” said Robert Obernier, who has been designated by Team Rubicon to serve as incident commander. “The city has placed its trust in Team Rubicon and we are grateful for the opportunity to help residents on their path to recovery.”

This is all provided on a completely volunteer basis; the team will collect not one penny for their work. All the costs to support the team are covered through various donations and corporate sponsors.  The team expects to be in the community approximately three weeks but will stay engaged with the city until their mission is complete. 

There is also a deeper mission for the team.  Disaster recovery mobilization allows veterans to reconnect with the sense of service and comradery they had while serving in the Armed Forces.

“Disasters are our business, veterans are our passion” says Obernier.  The ability for veterans to reengage in incident operations has helped ease the transition from military service back to a civilian world.  The reconnection with fellow veterans in an operational environment allows for teammates to come together and give back, not only to the communities they serve but to each other.  In four years participation has grown from 330 volunteers (at the end of 2010) to 16,000 which is an increase of 4,849% and still growing.  

“They are providing a critical support structure and taking care of the immediate needs of the community.  Their efforts will have a direct impact on the success of the recovery for the City of Pateros and their citizens. ” says Rocky Opliger, Incident Commander for California Interagency Type 1 Incident Management Team 4,“We are incredibly impressed and honored to have worked with Team Rubicon and their volunteers.”

For more information on Team Rubicon or to sign up as a volunteer please visit: teamrubiconusa.org or contact Public Affairs Officer Sam Kille at Kille@teamrubicon.org or (516)782-7062

Carlton Complex South Zone
California Interagency Incident Management Team 4

 

7/30/2014 The Omak Stampede will go on as scheduled!!! 10:30 AM

The Stampede is on, fire camp on the move: To make way for the annual Omak Stampede, the East Zone fire camp is in the process of moving to the Okanogan County Fairgrounds. All Stampede events will take place, as usual, starting August 7th. Most fire personnel will be at the fairgrounds from Thursday night, on. A few support staff will remain at the Stampede Grounds through Friday morning. Fire personnel appreciate all the support and hospitality received from the Omak Stampede. #CarltonComplex