7/22/14 1000am Carlton - Winthrop Update

** NEW PRIMARY FIRE INFORMATION CALL CENTER PHONES (7 AM – 8 PM):

            (509) 664-9353 or (509) 664-9277

SECONDARY FIRE INFORMATION

Cell: (360) 688-0560 or (360) 688-0148 (accessible from cell phones or numbers outside the area)

Landlines: (509) 996-9971 or (509) 996-3568 (only accessible from phones with a 996 or 997 prefix – persons calling from cell phones or a long distance number cannot reach these phones)

Email:  carltoncomplexfire@gmail.com

Media briefings held daily at 11:00 AM at the Carlton Zone ICP located at the Liberty Bell High School south of Winthrop.

This update covers the Carlton Zone of the Carlton Complex. The Carlton Complex is now the largest wildland fire ever to burn in the State of Washington.  The perimeter of this fire is more than 100 miles long. The total acreage burned is 250,136 acres.  A total of 2110 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to the incident.   The fire is 16% contained.

 Monday and overnight, crews were able to continue building and strengthening fire suppression lines.  Fire growth on the northeast sector of the fire has slowed significantly and firefighters have been successful in preventing significant fire spread.  Notable successes have occurred east of Hwy 153 and in Libby Creek, west of Carlton.

Conditions on Monday did not allow the start of the planned burn out operation for securing the north end of the fire. When conditions improve in this regard, the postponed burn out will be conducted.  When this occurs, residents can expect to see increased smoke conditions at the north end of the fire.

Cooler weather is allowing firefighters some respite.  Showers are approaching the fire area from the south and there is a chance of rain.  This should result in moderated fire behavior.  While it may postpone the proposed burnout, it will allow crews to construct more suppression line directly on the fire perimeter. 

The Carlton Complex has been divided into three management zones.  One Incident Management Team is based in Winthrop, one in Omak, and one in Chelan, respectively. The three areas are called the Carlton Zone, the Carlton East Zone, and the Carlton South Zone.

A Fire Information Call Center for all three zones of the Carlton Complex is open in Wenatchee from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM; the Center numbers are (509) 664-9353 or 664-9277. The Center was opened to provide additional information because the Fire Information Office telephones in Winthrop are working intermittently. Fire information for all three zones of the Carlton Complex will be posted on the websites listed above.

Highway Closures: 

Road closures may be in effect and closures can change quickly due to the dynamic fire situation. 

·        The Loup Loup Road (Highway 20 from milepost 210-223) is closed.

·        Contact the “511” automated Washington Department of Transportation Travel Information line for updated information, or call (509) 667-2802.

With the dynamic fire situation, information on specific evacuation areas can change quickly.  Up to date information should be obtained from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office or Emergency Services at (509) 422-2422, (509) 422-2428, (509) 422-2448, or (509) 422-2420. Information is also available on the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Facebook.

 Several evacuations have occurred and continue.  There is a Red Cross Shelter at the Fellowship Church in Omak.  Displaced public can make contact with the Omak Red Cross Shelter at (509) 663-3907.  Additional shelters are open at The Barn in Winthrop, the Chelan High School, and at the Brewster High School.

Forest Service Area Closures:  All USFS land south of the Twisp River Rd. and the #37 Rd are closed.  This includes the entire Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness on both the Methow and Chelan sides of the ridge, with the exception of the Lakeside Trail near Chelan.  Also included is the South Summit area of the Methow Ranger District.