7-29-14 10:00 AM Carlton Complex East Zone Update

This Update Covers the Carlton Complex’s EAST ZONE

Yesterday’s Accomplishments: Hot and dry conditions continued. A positive factor on Monday was that winds were light. Trees torched in the active areas of the fire but firefighters were able to keep the fire in check and hold the containment lines. Crews found and successfully dealt with a one-tenth of an acre fire outside the existing containment line. Hose lines are being laid in Sullivan Canyon, one of the most difficult areas of the fire. An estimated 125,000 hours have been invested in suppressing the fire in the East Zone alone.

Today’s activities: It will be more of the same as far as weather conditions go. Temperatures will be in the 80s and 90s in the active fire areas above 3,000 feet elevation. Humidity will be low. Keeping firefighters safe and hydrated is of primary importance Fire activity will increase in early afternoon. Fuels within the fire interior continue to ignite. Firefighters will aggressively attack any flare-ups that threatened the line. Crews continue to monitor for heat around structures.

Thanks to the community: Community groups gathering materials for those who have lost homes have been overwhelmed by contributions. They are now in the position of not being able to take additional items. Rather than giving clothing or other items, please consider cash donations to the Apple Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross or other local charities. Cash donations for fire victims can be made at any North Cascades Bank. 

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 they are insured. This is only to help the County accurately report losses so that eligibility for specific FEMA funds can be determined. The EOC can be reached at 509-422-2422, 509-422-2428, or 509-422-2420.

Evacuation levels and local road closures: Fire managers and the sheriff have determined that several residential areas along Highway 20 should remain at Evacuation Level 2.  Evacuation information is posted on the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Facebook page and the Carlton Complex blogspot. Roads may open and close intermittently due to fire traffic. 

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 250,806 acres with 67 percent containment.  The 3,142 people assigned include 96 crews, 157 engines, 19 dozers, 43 water tenders and 17 helicopters.

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