7/20/14 11:30 a.m. Carlton-Winthrop Morning Update

 

Carlton Complex Fire Update

July 20, 2014 - 10:00 A.M.

FIRE INFORMATION WEBSITES:   

·        Blog: http://carltoncomplex.blogspot.com/

·        Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CarltonComplexWildFire

·        Inciweb:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3967/                                 

FIRE INFO PHONES (7 AM - 8 PM):   *** Intermittent or limited service due to utility damage
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

Community Meeting at 7 PM tonight (Sunday) at Brewster High School, 503 South 7^th Street, Brewster.

The Carlton Complex fires damaged the electric intertie serving the area, fiber-optic cables, and affected cell phone service. The Information Office telephones are only working intermittently, and the main power is out.  The Incident Command Post’s immediate needs are being met with portable electric generators.

The 1388 firefighters assigned to the Carlton Complex of wildfires actively worked the north and south ends of fire yesterday, continuing structure protection under cloudy and slightly cooler conditions. The fire was most active in the southeast portion near Malott; though the fire continues to actively burn in many areas.  The ground forces are being supported by over 100 fire engines, 34 water tenders, and 13 dozers. Aerial support for this major firefighting effort includes water scooping air tankers plus a heavy air tanker. Four National Guard Blackhawk helicopters dropped water from buckets. Additional firefighting resources are on their way to reinforce those already in place.  There have been very few minor injuries on this fire, though a firefighter was injured on Saturday and required transport to a hospital for treatment.

Due to the large growth in both the size and complexity of the Carlton Complex, the fire will be managed as three zones beginning today: the Carlton Zone, Carlton East Zone, and Carlton South Zone. The Washington #3 Incident Management Team (IMT) took the eastern portion of the fire near Omak at 6:00 AM today. A California Type 1 IMT#4 will be taking command of the southern portion of the complex at 6:00 PM today.  The present incident management team will continue overseeing the efforts for the north area and ensure effective coordination continues throughout the complex.  Fire information for all three areas will be posted at the locations above. Early Sunday morning the fire was 237,890 acres in size.

Several evacuations have occurred and continue.  The Red Cross Shelter in now in the town of Omak at the Fellowship Church.  Displaced public can make contact with the Omak Red Cross Shelter at (509) 663-3907.  Additional shelters have been opened at The Barn in Winthrop and the Chelan High School.

Highway Closures: 

Road closures are in effect and closures can change quickly due to the fire situation. 

·        Highway 20 is closed the over Loup Loup Pass.

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

 

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.

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.

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) 422-2028, (509) 422-2048, or (509) 422-2420. Information is also available on the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Facebook.

 

Bill Hahnenberg, Incident Commander, National Incident Management Team                                

Nathan Rabe, Deputy Incident Commander, Washington Interagency Incident Management Team