Carlton Complex East Zone Update Wednesday, July 30, 2014—10:00 a.m.

This Update Covers the Carlton Complex’s EAST ZONE

Yesterday’s Highlights: A large smoke column, visible from much of the Okanogan River Valley, developed due to an expected increase in fire activity.  Very high temperatures and low humidity contributed to the flare up.  The column originated near Leecher Mountain, along the large unburned section in the center of the fire.  Air resources and crews from the Carlton Zone worked to suppress the flare up.  (See Carlton Zone update for more details.)  Along the East Zone’s most rugged sections, crews made progress strengthening existing fire lines south of Highway 20.  Fire managers praised firefighters for holding and improving that line, under challenging conditions.  Crews continue to “mop up” toward the interior of the fire, which means making sure everything is out cold, up to 300 feet in from the line.

Today’s activities: The hot dry weather will continue to cause unburned “islands” of fuel to burn.  Crews are tasked with widening a buffer zone between these still active areas and existing fire lines.  That buffer is now 50 to 300 feet wide in most places but steep terrain and the heat, makes the work slow going.  If conditions allow, crews may burn a section of previously unburned land, south of the Loop Loop summit, to further strengthen the fire line.  Helicopters will continue to support firefighters by dumping water on hot areas to dampen the fire’s intensity

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 7^th.  Fire camp will be at the fairgrounds beginning Thursday night.  Fire personnel appreciate all the support and hospitality received from the Omak Stampede staff and the Omak community.

Emergency Relief Information Needed:  The Okanogan County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is asking residents with fire damage claims to let them 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 is at 509-422-2422, 509-422-2428, or 509-422-2420.

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 due to fire conditions. 

Carlton Complex Overview: Three incident management teams 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 251, 025 acres with 67 percent containment.  There are 3,104 people assigned including 82 crews, 168 engines, 45 water tenders and 23 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).