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 7th. 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).
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