Leavenworth .. Icicle Canyon Fire ..

[Sleeveless]

Date: July 16, 2004

11:00 am

Icicle Fire Update

Icicle Canyon is currently at a Level 3 evacuation alert, which means everyone is being asked to leave the area. The entire Icicle Canyon area is also closed to all recreation use at this time. The road is closed at the Snow Creek trailhead. All of the trails in the area are now closed, including all trails within the area bounded on the east by Icicle Ridge, the county line / Pacific Crest on the west, through the Mt. Stuart - Colchuck Lake - Eightmile Lake areas. The Enchantment core area remains open currently, but hikers are required to stay within that area and not access Rat Creek or Colchuck Lake.

 

 

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/fire/firemain.htm

[catbirdseat]

Monday, July 19, 2004, 9:00 A.M.

 

 

The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team (Bennett) is directing all fire fighting resources from the fire camp at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.

 

 

Cooler conditions helped keep fire activity to a minimum on Sunday. This lightning-caused fire that started last Thursday during windy conditions does not threaten the town of Leavenworth. The fire is now estimated to be approximately 606 acres and is ten percent contained. Sunday’s weather pattern contained scattered lightning and erratic winds but also included localized precipitation. Firefighters, assisted by helicopter bucket drops and dozers, made good progress on fireline construction on the west and north flanks of the fire.

 

 

Fire fighting resources currently assigned to combat the fire include eight 20 – person crews, two dozers, 5 engines, and helicopter support. Firefighting personnel total 388 people. Cooperators on the fire include the Washington Department of Natural Resources; the Commissioners, Sheriff’s Department and Fire District 3 from Chelan County; and the American Red Cross.

 

 

Today’s fire fighting efforts will focus on constructing fireline on the southeast and southwest flanks of the fire. Helicopters will continue to be used to slow the spread of the fire as necessary. Structure protection by engines continues. There are 20 vacation cabins and 5 permanent homes in the vicinity of the fire. The nearest vacation cabin is approximately 1/2 mile from the fire’s perimeter.

 

 

The Icicle Creek road remains closed at the Snow Lakes trailhead approximately 3 miles from the junction with Highway 2. A Level 3 Evacuation Notice and area closure remains in effect for seven campgrounds, five residences, and twenty cabins located on the Icicle Creek road within the closed area. All trails and spur road intersecting the Icicle Creek road above the roadblock are closed.

 

 

Campfires are restricted to established fire rings in developed campgrounds only. All other fires and use of charcoal briquettes are prohibited. Please help prevent wild fire.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: The helicopter base for the Icicle Fire at Fromm's Field near Leavenworth. A Skycrane helicopter in the foreground and a K-Max at the left. Numerous other helicopters are based here also. These load-carrying helicopters are being used to drop water on the fire. Smoke from the fire drifts out of Icicle Canyon in the background. Photo taken Sunday, July 18.

 

As a side note, a pair of Bald Eagles are nesting very near the helibase with a recently hatched eagle who is not able to fly yet. The eagles are being monitored by Forest Service biologists and precautions are being taken to mitigate the impact of the helicopters on the eagles, including keeping the incoming and outgoing flight paths as far away as possible from the nest.

 

 

 

BENNETT’S NORTHERN ROCKIES

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

 

 

Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests

 

 

Fire Information: 548-7816 or 548-7827

[klenke]

The map on page one of this pdf file is pretty cool.

 

Here's another map (location of the fire is just north of Cashmere Mountain):

[jon]

Icicle Fire Daily Update

Thursday, July 22, 2004, 9:00 A.M.

 

The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team (Bennett) continues to direct

all fire fighting resources from the fire camp at the Leavenworth National

Fish Hatchery. Cooperators on the fire include the Washington Department

of Natural Resources, the Commissioners, Sheriff’s Department and Fire

Protection District of Chelan County.

 

The wetting effects of Monday’s rain is expected to be gone by today.

Firefighter tactics have changed to building direct line adjacent to the

fire’s edge. The decision was spurred by the arrival of highly experienced

hand crews and the slower fire activity. The fire continued to stay within

the desired perimeter.

 

The fire remains at approximately 778 acres and is 55 percent contained.

Expected containment is July 25th dependent upon favorable weather

conditions. There are 473 fire personnel assigned to the fire. Other

resources include eight helicopters, six engines, and two dozers.

 

The Snow Creek Trailhead remains open but the Icicle Creek Road is closed

just beyond the trailhead. All trails and spur roads intersecting the

Icicle Creek Road above the roadblock are closed. Rock climbing

opportunities are available at Snow Creek Wall and down valley of the road

closure. The seven Forest Service campgrounds along Icicle Creek Road

remain closed, however Icicle RV Resort is open. The Level 3 Evacuation

Notice and area closure remains in effect. An evaluation of this

evacuation order is being conducted daily.

 

A temporary flight restriction to 10,000 feet above sea level remains in

effect for a five-mile radius around the fire.

 

On the Leavenworth Ranger District, campfires are restricted to established

fire rings in developed campgrounds only. Outside of these developed

campgrounds, all other fires and use of charcoal briquettes are prohibited.

The Lake Wenatchee area has no current fire restrictions. Please continue

to help prevent wild land fires.

[jon]

Icicle & Trinity Fire Daily Update

 

Monday, July 26, 2004, 9:00 A.M. Icicle Fire: The fire actively burned within containment lines yesterday. Helicopters were used to cool larger hot spots as firefighters put out small fires fanned by windy, dry conditions. Today, crews will continue to patrol the fire area, putting out hot spots as cooler temperatures moderate fire behavior. There are currently seven helicopters, three fire engines, and 411 personnel assigned to the fire.

 

Unauthorized aircraft, jeopardizing the safety of the firefighters, again violated the closed air space around the fire. A temporary flight restriction, which closes the airspace to non-fire, related aircraft to 10,000 feet for five miles around the fire remains in effect.

 

Two firefighters from the Baker River Interagency Hotshot crew were injured yesterday when they were looking for smoldering fire in a steep, rocky area. Part of a large boulder broke off, knocking the two firefighters down the mountainside. Both were air-lifted from the scene. Brian Takeuchi was treated and released at a local medical facility while Jeremy Dempsey was transferred by air ambulance to Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle with a fractured pelvis.

 

Today, in conjunction with the Chelan County Commissioners, the Evacuation Order for the Upper Icicle Creek drainage will be lifted. The Wenatchee National Forest will also be opening part of the area that was closed on July 16th due to the Icicle Creek Fire. All Forest Service campgrounds along Icicle Creek will be opened as well as several popular trail routes and climbing areas in the drainage. However, some areas south of Icicle Creek will remain closed in order to provide for public safety while firefighting efforts continue.

 

The Trinity Fire, which started on July 22nd, is located 3 miles north of Trinity (50 miles north of Leavenworth) in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Fire size remains at approximately 45 acres and is 65% contained. Fiftyseven firefighters and support helicopters are assigned to the fire. A temporary flight restriction to 11,000 feet for five miles around the fire remains in effect.

 

The Chiwawa Valley Trail (#1550) in the vicinity of the Trinity Fire remains closed. The Buck Cr. (#1513) and Phelps Cr. (#1511) Trails are open.

 

On the Leavenworth Ranger District, campfires are restricted to established fire rings in developed campgrounds only. Outside of these developed campgrounds, all other fires and use of charcoal briquettes are prohibited. The Lake Wenatchee area has no current fire restrictions.

 

EVEN WITH COOLER TEMPERATURES, FIRE DANGER REMAINS VERY HIGH. Please be careful!

[jon]

News Release

 

For Immediate Release July 26, 2004

 

Forest Service to Open Campgrounds along Icicle Creek

 

Leavenworth, WA – Today, in conjunction with the Chelan County Commissioners lifting the Evacuation Order for the Upper Icicle Creek drainage, the Wenatchee National Forest will also be opening part of the forest area that was closed on July 16th due to the Icicle Creek Fire. All Forest Service campgrounds along Icicle Creek will be opened as well as several popular trail routes and climbing areas in the Icicle Creek drainage.

 

All areas north of the Icicle Creek Road are now open. The shoreline along the south side of Icicle Creek is also open to allow people fishing to wade the creek and stand on the opposite shoreline.

 

A closure remains in effect until further notice for a larger area south of Icicle Creek. This area closure includes the following popular locations:

 

∑ Trout Lake Trail #1555 and Trout Lake

∑ Eightmile-Trout Lake Trail #1554 from Trout Creek to Windy Pass

∑ Jack Ridge Trail #1557

∑ Lake Ruth

∑ Lake Victoria

∑ The west and north sides of Windy Pass

 

Mt. Cashmere will also remain closed to climbing.

 

For more information, or to view a map of the closure area, contact the Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee Ranger Districts office at 600 Sherbourne in Leavenworth or call the office at (509) 548-6977.

[Szyjakowski]

'bout time!

[Szyjakowski]

bout time!

[minx]

sheesh! impatient aren't ya? we managed to climb on the 7/17 on madsens buttress. the smoke wasn't bad at all. i can't imagine that there's been a lack of climbing in l'worth even w/the closures. you're just greedy

[slaphappy]

...there are just better places to go that were unobtainable.

[jon]

Icicle & Trinity Fire Daily Update

 

Tuesday, July 27, 2004, 9:00 A.M. Icicle Fire: The fire continues to burn brush, pine needles, etc. that are deep in rocks, but well within the containment lines. Open flames were observed in the rocky slopes on the west flank of the fire. Crews will continue to patrol the fire area, putting out hot spots as cooler temperatures reduce the fire behavior. Rehabilitation of the fire area will include making sure that water will be diverted from the fire lines, stream crossings repaired, and some seeding to grow grass. Rehabilitating the fire area will continue through the fall. Specific concerns or questions may be addressed to Steve Willet, Leavenworth Ranger District.

 

A temporary flight restriction which closes the airspace to non-fire related aircraft to 10,000 feet for five miles around the fire remains in effect.

 

All Forest Service campgrounds along Icicle Creek were opened as well as several popular trail routes and climbing areas in the drainage. However, some areas south of Icicle Creek have remained closed in order to provide for public safety while firefighting efforts continue. These include the following popular locations: Trout Lake Trail # 1555 and Trout Lake, Eightmile-Trout #1554 from Trout Creek to Windy Pass, Jack Ridge Trail #1557, Mt Cashmere, Lake Ruth, Lake Victoria and the west and north sides of Windy Pass.

 

There are currently seven helicopters, three fire engines, and 354 personnel assigned to the fire.

 

The Trinity Fire, which started on July 22nd, is located 3 miles north of Trinity (50 miles north of Leavenworth) in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Fire size remains at approximately 45 acres and is 80% contained. Fifty two firefighters and support helicopters are assigned to the fire. A temporary flight restriction to 11,000 feet for five miles around the fire remains in effect.

 

The Chiwawa Valley Trail (#1550) in the vicinity of the Trinity Fire remains closed. The Buck Cr. (#1513) and Phelps Cr. (#1511) Trails are open.

 

On the Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee Ranger District, campfires are restricted to established fire rings in developed campgrounds only. Outside of these developed campgrounds, all other fires and use of charcoal briquettes are prohibited.

 

EVEN WITH COOLER TEMPERATURES, FIRE DANGER REMAINS VERY HIGH. Please be careful!

[slaphappy]

Thanx Jon!

[jon]

Icicle & Trinity Fire Daily Update

 

Wednesday, July 28, 2004, 9:00 A.M. Icicle Fire: The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team will be working with an Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Incident Management Team today in preparation of the forest taking over the fire tomorrow. The fire camp will remain at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, but the number of fire personnel will be reduced. There are currently seven helicopters, three fire engines, and 322 personnel assigned to the fire. Beginning Thursday, July 29th, information about the Icicle and Trinity Fires will still be available by calling (509) 548-6977 ext. 275. (Fax 509 548-5817)

 

The fire continues to quietly smolder within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to patrol the fire area putting out any hot spots they locate close to the firelines. They will also work on fire rehabilitation including constructing erosion control diversions on fire lines, repair stream crossings, and seed grass. Specific concerns or questions about fire rehabilitation may be addressed to Steve Willet at the Leavenworth Ranger District.

 

A temporary flight restriction which closes the airspace to non-fire related aircraft to 10,000 feet for five miles around the fire remains in effect.

 

An inversion is trapping smoke in the valleys and river corridors from the 14,910 acre Pot Peak Fire as well as several other regional fires. Weather conditions are predicted to change on Sunday, lifting smoke and clearing the air.

 

All Forest Service campgrounds along Icicle Creek were opened as well as several popular trail routes and climbing areas in the drainage. However, some areas south of Icicle Creek have remained closed in order to provide for public safety while firefighting efforts continue. These include the following popular locations: Trout Lake Trail # 1555 and Trout Lake, Eightmile-Trout #1554 from Trout Creek to Windy Pass, Jack Ridge Trail #1557, Mt Cashmere, Lake Ruth, Lake Victoria and the west and north sides of Windy Pass.

 

The Trinity Fire, which started on July 22nd, is located 3 miles north of Trinity (50 miles north of Leavenworth) in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Fire size remains at approximately 45 acres and is 95% contained. Fifty three firefighters and support helicopters are assigned to the fire. A temporary flight restriction to 11,000 feet for five miles around the fire remains in effect.

 

The Chiwawa Valley Trail (#1550) in the vicinity of the Trinity Fire remains closed. The Buck Cr. (#1513) and Phelps Cr. (#1511) Trails are open.

 

On the Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee Ranger District, campfires are restricted to established fire rings in developed campgrounds only. Outside of these developed campgrounds, all other fires and use of charcoal briquettes are prohibited. FIRE DANGER REMAINS VERY HIGH!!

[jon]

Icicle & Trinity Fire Daily Update

 

Thursday, July 29, 2004, 9:00 A.M. Icicle Fire: The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team turned over management of the Icicle and Trinity fires to an Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Incident Management Team (Incident Commander: Rick Long) today. The fire camp will remain at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, but the number of fire personnel and other resources will be reduced. There are currently two helicopters, three fire engines, and 305 personnel assigned to the fire. Information about the Icicle and Trinity Fires is available by calling (509) 548-6977 ext. 275. (Fax 509 548-5817)

 

The fire continues to quietly smolder within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to patrol the fire area putting out any hot spots they locate close to the firelines. They will also work on fire rehabilitation including constructing erosion control diversions on fire lines, repairing stream crossings, and seeding grass. Specific concerns or questions about fire rehabilitation may be addressed to Don Youkey at the Leavenworth Ranger District.

 

The temporary flight restriction which closed the airspace to non-fire related aircraft was rescinded today.

 

An inversion is trapping some smoke in the valleys and river corridors from the 14,910 acre Pot Peak Fire as well as several other regional fires. Weather conditions are predicted to change by Sunday, lifting smoke and clearing the air.

 

All Forest Service campgrounds along Icicle Creek were opened as well as several popular trail routes and climbing areas in the drainage. However, some areas south of Icicle Creek have remained closed in order to provide for public safety while firefighting efforts continue. These include the following popular locations: Trout Lake Trail # 1555 and Trout Lake, Eightmile-Trout #1554 from Trout Creek to Windy Pass, Jack Ridge Trail #1557, Mt Cashmere, Lake Ruth, Lake Victoria and the west and north sides of Windy Pass.

 

The Trinity Fire, which started on July 22nd, is located 3 miles north of Trinity (50 miles north of Leavenworth) in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Fire size remains at approximately 45 acres and is 95% contained. Forty firefighters are assigned to the fire. The temporary flight restriction which closed airspace to non-fire related aircraft was rescinded today.

 

The Chiwawa Valley Trail (#1550) in the vicinity of the Trinity Fire remains closed. The Buck Cr. (#1513) and Phelps Cr. (#1511) Trails are open.

 

On the Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee Ranger District, campfires are restricted to established fire rings in developed campgrounds only. Outside of these developed campgrounds, all other fires and use of charcoal briquettes are prohibited. FIRE DANGER REMAINS VERY HIGH!!

[jon]

Icicle Fire:

What’s New: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Type III Incident Management Team (Incident Commander: Rick Long) is now managing the firefighting effort. Fire camp remains at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, but the number of fire personnel and other resources are being reduced. Two helicopters, two fire engines, and 214 personnel are still assigned to the fire.

 

Fire Status: The fire is contained, but continues to smolder within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to patrol the fire area putting out any hot spots they locate close to the firelines. They are also working on fire rehabilitation including constructing erosion control diversions on fire lines, repairing stream crossings, and seeding grass. Specific concerns or questions about fire rehabilitation may be addressed to Don Youkey at the Leavenworth Ranger District.

 

Fire Facts: Started: July 15th by a lightning strike. Location: Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests, Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth Ranger Districts, approximately 9 miles southwest of Leavenworth, in the Icicle Creek drainage.

 

Community: The Icicle Fire is not threatening the community of Leavenworth. All areas north of Icicle Creek Road are open. The shoreline along the south side of Icicle Creek is also open to allow people fishing to wade the creek and stand on the opposite shoreline.

A closure remains in effect until further notice for an area south of Icicle Creek, and includes the following:

ß Trout Lake Trail #1555 and Trout Lake

ß Eightmile-Trout Lake Trail #1554 from Trout Creek to Windy Pass

ß Jack Ridge Trail #1557

ß Lake Ruth

ß Lake Victoria

ß The west and north sides of Windy Pass

ß Mt. Cashmere will also remain closed to climbing.

 

Trinity Fire:

Fire Facts: Started July 22nd by a lightning strike. Location: Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth Ranger Districts, in the Chiwawa River drainage, 3 miles north of Trinity (50 miles north of Leavenworth) in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

 

A closure remains in effect until further notice and includes the following locations:

ß Chiwawa Valley Trail (#1550)

(The Buck Cr. (#1513) and Phelps Cr. (#1511) Trails are open.)

 

Extended forecast: Current weather is clear and dry with morning haze. Two weak upper level disturbances will slightly lower daytime temperatures to the mid-80s to low 90s. Valley winds to 6 MPH are expected to clear the air.

 

Recreation Opportunities:

Leavenworth area campgrounds are open. Leavenworth area trails are open except those south of Icicle Creek, listed above. Lake Wenatchee area campgrounds and trails are open, except Chiwawa Valley Trail (above). On the Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee Ranger District, campfires are restricted to established fire rings in developed campgrounds only. Outside of these developed campgrounds, all other fires and use of charcoal briquettes are prohibited. FIRE DANGER REMAINS VERY HIGH!!