7/17/14 9am Carlton Complex Morning Update

The Carlton Complex fires started on July 14, by lightning from a weather system that moved through the Methow Valley. The Carlton Complex consists of four fires: Stokes Fire, Gold Hikes Fire, French Creek Fire and the Cougar Flat. The Stokes and Gold Hikes fires are now one larger fire. The fires are burning in timber and grass. Cooperating agencies include the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Washington State Department of Natural Resources, (WA DNR), Bureau of Land Management, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife, Okanogan Fire District 6, Okanogan Fire District 15 and the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office.

Yesterday was another challenging day for fire crews. Hot weather and windy conditions pushed the fire over the ridge tops and into the town of Pateros resulting in a large number of evacuations. An estimated 300-500 homes were evacuated, including the Pateros Red Cross shelter. Red Cross Shelters have opened in Twisp, Omak and Chelan. Displaced public can make contact with the Red Cross at 509-990-0969. The extreme fire behavior and hot weather conditions will continue to challenge firefighting efforts. Structure Protection crews are working throughout the fire areas patrolling and monitoring around structures. Firefighters are working with property owners to help reduce vegetation and remove debris. 35 primary residences were lost in the fire last night. Additional updates will be made as more structures are accounted for.

This evening the fire traveled south to the edge of the communities of Pateros and Brewster. A command post has been set up in the area with Okanogan, Douglas, Chelan, and Grant County Emergency Management. State Mobilization resources have been requested for structure protection. Increased evacuations are in place, but exact locations have been difficult to determine due to the fluid situation and rapid fire growth.

The present fire situation continues to rapidly change due to the high fire danger. Public and firefighter safety is the priority on the Carlton Complex fires. A Level 3 Evacuation Notice is in place between Carlton to Pateros and in the Pateros and Brewster areas. You can contact the “511” automated Washington Department of Transportation Travel Information line for updated information.

 Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office Evacuation Levels:
LEVEL 1: Persons are warned that current or projected threats from hazards associated with the approaching fires are severe. This is the time to prepare.
LEVEL 2: Conditions indicate a good probability that hazards associated with the approaching fires will severely limit our ability to provide emergency service protection. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This may be the only notice that you receive.
LEVEL 3: Current conditions present specific and immediate threats to the life and safety of persons within this area. You are advised to evacuate immediately.

 Evacuation/Closures: Multiple road closures are in effect. Due to the fire situation, road and highway closures could change very quickly. Hwy 20 is now closed between MP206 to MP215. Hwy 153 is closed at MP6-21 and at a Level 3 Notice between the town of Carlton and Pateros. Hwy 97 is closed between Pateros and Brewster.