7-27-14 10:00 AM Carlton Complex East Zone Update

This Update Covers the Carlton Complex’s EAST ZONE

Road closures remain in effect.  Non-residents are reminded that Level 1 and Level 2 evacuations are still in effect for portions of the fire and to ensure safe conditions for firefighters and utility crews working along roadways they should stay out of closed areas.

Yesterday’s Accomplishments: Firefighters working on containment lines in the Woody Mountain, Cook Mountain and Sullivan Creek drainage were supported on Saturday by aerial resources.  This included 18 helicopters and 3 fixed-wing aircraft that provided water drops to cool active hot spots in the area, allowing firefighters to continue strengthening and widen containment lines.

One spot fire occurred over the line in the Sullivan Creek Drainage and was fully contained at less than 1/3 of an acre.

Today’s activities: Higher temperatures and lower humidity levels will increase fire activity as fuels continue to dry out from the rain received late last week.  Areas of unburned fuel within the fire perimeter are likely to produce visible smoke, especially later in the day. Using data from last night's Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) flight; firefighters will concentrate their efforts on those detected hotspots.  Firefighters continue their efforts to strengthen containment line on the northern flank of the fire today.

Emergency Relief Information Needed:  The Okanogan County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Okanogan High School is asking residents with fire damage claims to call the center and let emergency officials know whether or not they are insured.  The EOC can be reached at 509-422-2422, 509-422-2428, or 509-422-2420.

Utility Work: Okanogan County Public Utility District workers are replacing power poles and restoring telephone and Internet communications where fire severely damaged the utility infrastructure.

Evacuation levels: Fire managers and the sheriff have determined that several residential areas along Highway 20 should remain at Evacuation level 2 until risk changes.  Evacuation levels for specific roads are posted in the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Facebook page and the Carlton Complex blogspot.

Carlton Complex Overview:

Three incident management teams and a National Incident Management Organization are managing this fire in three zones, with incident camps at Omak, Winthrop, and Chelan.  About 900 firefighters are assigned to the East Zone of the fire. The fire is 250,514 acres with 59 percent containment.  The 3,014 people assigned include 86 crews, 198 engines, 24 dozers, 46 water tenders and 19 helicopters.

Road Conditions:  For updated road conditions, contact the Washington Department of Transportation (www.wsdot.com or call 511).