Leavenworth, Wash.—An early morning lightning storm passed through the Wenatchee Valley Friday, leaving a trail of small spot fires on the Okanagon-Wenatchee National Forest.

Two new fires were confirmed near the Tronsen Ridge/Sheep Rock area. Both fires are an acre in size, with rappelers and smokejumpers responding to the fires located in remote, steep terrain.

Crews continue to search for smokes from today’s storm. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to continue for the next several days, as a weak cold front moves through the area. Heavy rains are expected to accompany the storms.

One of the largest fires in the Wenatchee Valley is the Devils Gulch Fire, located six miles southwest of Wenatchee and is 35 acres in size. Friday was the first day that firefighter crews were able to begin the arduous task of constructing fire line in this steep and heavily timbered area. Three helicopters dropped water on the fire Friday. Because of public and firefighter safety concerns and threat of fire in the area, people are asked to avoid using roads and trails in the following areas: Mission Creek, Sand Ck, Devils Gulch, Beehive Reservoir, Liberty-Beehive Road and Tronsen Ridge. Forest Service Rd. #9712 is closed to public access.

Late this afternoon, crews were responding to fires in Yaksum and Nahahum Canyons.

The Tripp Fire, burning on state protected lands three miles southwest of Cashmere in the Tripp Canyon area, is about 70 acres in size. A Level 2 Evacuation Notice was issued by Chelan County Sheriff’s Office to residents of Tripp Canyon. Suppression efforts include handcrews, helicopters, and some retardant drops.

Smoke from fires in Oregon and southwest Washington is causing a light haze in the Wenatchee Valley.

A Type II Incident Management Team will take over suppression actions of the Wenatchee River Complex Saturday morning. The incident command post is located at Chelan County Fairgrounds.

Additional small fires continue to be spotted as reconnaissance continues. Torrential rains associated with the storm helped douse many of the small fires.

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The above press release was courtesy the United States Forest Service (Dept. of Agriculture) Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Entiat, Wash. — Hotter and drier weather is the culprit behind the occasional smoke seen rising from the Swakane Fire. The Swakane Fire, located on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest between Entiat and Wenatchee, remains at 19,291 acres.

Incident Commander, Michelle Ellis said, “A perimeter line is established around the fire, but there is active burning of downed logs, snags, and stumps, creating visible smoke from the interior portion of the burn.” Fire personnel continue to patrol on a daily basis to check smoke sources and to assess any potential affects to un-burned areas along the perimeter.

Fire fighters are still unable to access the deep, steep drainages within the fire parameters because of hazardous conditions. Although the fire is showing very little smoke, it is anticipated that the fire will not be controlled until significant moisture occurs, due to the large amount of unburned fuel inside the confinement lines.

Ellis said, “Management of the fire will change on Wednesday, to match the current fire condition. A smaller team will be engaged, with two engines and a 20-person handcrew assigned to the fire.” The Incident Commander will be John Spencer, and his team will continue to work on improving contingency and perimeter lines.

Road access into the fire area continues to be closed for both public and firefighter safety. Closures include: Swakane Rd from Highway 97A to Nahahum Saddle, Burch Mtn. Rd from the end of the pavement, Mills Canyon at Old Camp Road out of the Entiat Valley, and at the Mills/Dinkelman Junction below the Entiat Ridge & Summit Road.

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The above press release is courtesy of the United States Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests

The Devils Gulch Fire is located in the Mission Creek drainage, approximately six miles southwest of Wenatchee. The fire started on a ridge top, then rolled down off three sides, and is currently burning up slope, before rolling over and down the next slope. The fire is estimated between 40-60 acres in size and burning in steep, heavily timbered terrain.

Access for firefighters is poor into the area and helicopters were used Wednesday evening for suppression efforts. Crews and equipment are beginning to stage in Cashmere because road access was hampered with washouts resulting from the storm.

A Type 3 team with Dave Nalle as Incident Commander is in place with several handcrews, and dozers available and more resources ordered.

Because of public and firefighter safety concerns and threat of fire in the area, people are asked to avoid using roads and trails in the following areas: Mission Creek, Sand Ck, Devils Gulch, Beehive Reservoir, Liberty-Beehive Road and Tronsen Ridge.

Another fire on the Wenatchee River Ranger District is located 2.5 miles up Blewett Pass (Highway 97) on the south side. Crews worked all night on the two-acre fire. The fire is staffed and contained.

Additional small fires are being scouted as reconnaissance continues. Torrential rains accompanying the storm helped to put out many of the spot fires.

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The above press release is courtesy of the United States Forest Service (Dept. of Agriculture) Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

ENTIAT – The Swakane Wildfire is 65% contained. It has a fire line all around it, but at this point, especially due to the close proximity of unburned fuel with interior hotspots, that line is not sufficient to prevent the fire from increasing in size. Today crews continue to work to hold the current fire footprint, prepare some containment lines for future burnout, and mop up and patrol other parts of the perimeter.

The weather should be relatively mild with winds 5-10 miles per hour in an upslope pattern as the area heats up during the day. Temperatures should be 80-85 in the lower valleys and 69-74 on the midslopes and ridges.

Today the incident is transitioning to a smaller Type III management organization, with will take command of the fire at 0600 on Sunday July 18. Michelle Ellis is the Incident Commander.

In the next few weeks, firefighters will continue to improve the containment fireline and may conduct a larger burn-out operations as weather and fuel conditions permit.

There is a Public Meeting on Saturday July 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Entiat Grange Hall (14108 Kinzel, Entiat, Washington) in order to describe the current situation, future plans and reasonable expectations for the Swakane Wildfire.

WIIMT4 appreciates the high level of skill and cooperation that’s been provided by local agencies, organizations and the community. The firefighting crews and equipment operators have displayed excellent skill and there have been no major injuries on this incident.

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The above is a press release from the Washington Interagency Incident Management Team #4 which as of Saturday Morning is the Incident Command for the Swakane Wildfire. It is published as is as a courtesy to our residents.

Firefighers along US 97A during the Swakane Fire, July 2010. The fire caused level 1 and level 2 evacuations. (Cary Ulrich Photo)

Wildfire season is here. The Swakane Fire has reminded us of the threat wildfires pose residents in Chelan County. Wildfire is unpredictable, can move and change course, and with dry brush, can spread quickly in the winds of the foothills and the Columbia River Valley.

In our county, we use a three-tiered evacuation system and it is important residents know what the evacuation levels mean.

1. Level 1 evacuations are an alert. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists, and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs, or those with pets or livestock, should take note and make preparations for relocating family members, pets, and livestock.
2. Level 2 evacuations indicate there is a significant risk to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the area, or, be ready to leave at a moments notice.
3. Level 3 means danger is currently affecting your area or is imminent, and you should leave immediately.

Preparing in advance is key for a successful, calm, and orderly evacuation. Wildfire is a great threat within Chelan County, and something all residents should prepare for. Making a kit, having a plan, and remaining informed is vital. Below is a printable version of this page, which you should print and post in your home, car, or office, and keep a copy with your emergency plans.

Evacuation Levels Guide

Link to Updates direct from Incident Command on Inciweb.org

July 15,2010 1000

There was no growth in the perimeter of the Swakane Wildfire today with containment at 60%.

Along firelines in the Highway 97A corridor, infrared detection of hot spots was conducted north of Swakane Canyon. The mop- up standards are: no hot spots within 500 feet of structures, 100 feet of firelines in grass, and 300 feet of firelines in timber. Infrared detection will continue along the Highway 97A corridor as well as the Burch Mountain Road fireline.

Fire operations are now concentrated in the north and northwest portions of the fire. In some areas, the active fire front is some distance from constructed firelines due to topography. Today’s operations seek to fortify lines, using burn-out techniques when possible.

Although much of the timber is still too moist to burn actively and is a natural barrier to fire progression, these fuels have been drying and are contributing to active fire behavior when the wind direction and uphill topography align. Burnout operations are challenging in these areas.

Tomorrow is expected to be warmer and drier.

Homes, structures and utility lines continue to be threatened by this wildfire. Evacuation Advisories of Level I and II remain in place and have not changed.

Road closures remain in place and are unchanged. The distance of reduced speed along Hwy 97A has been shortened, to focus on the mouth of Swakane Canyon.

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July 13, 2010 0900

In spite of extremely strong winds and dry air yesterday and last night, the containment lines surrounding the Swakane wildfire have remained intact. The increase in acreage (19,746) from that reported yesterday represents more accuracy in the mapping of the fire lines and successful burn out operations. It does not reflect additional expansion of the fire perimeter.

Today’s weather is more moderate than yesterday with winds of approximately 8-16 miles per hour forecast. This should provide an opportunity for effective line fortification using air- and ground-based crews and equipment.

Dry grass and brush are the most flammable fuels associated with this fire. Although much of the timber is still too moist to burn actively and is a natural barrier to progression of the fire, these fuels have been drying and are contributing more actively to fire behavior. Dead and blown-down trees from previous fires and windstorms several years ago are also burning, emitting lots of smoke, from the Tenas George and Swakane Canyons.

Homes, structures and utility lines continue to be threatened by this wildfire. Evacuation Advisories of Level I and II and road closures remain in place.

Hwy 97A is a major transportation route in this area. The fire has directly affected it for a distance of about 9 miles with congestion, fire activity and fire personnel present near the roadway. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph in some places. The highway has periodically been temporarily closed during this incident due to fire activity and fallen rocks. After a fire removes the vegetation that binds the surface, falling rocks become an important concern along roadways and slopes where firefighters are working. Temporary closures may continue as safety concerns require. Drivers are requested to avoid stopping along Hwy 97A and consider using Hwy 97 on the east side of the Columbia River if possible. This fire can be easily viewed from safe sites across the river.

WIMT 4 is managing the incident under a joint Delegation of Authority from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Southeast Region, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management, and Chelan County Fire Districts 1 and 8, with assistance from other State, Federal and local agencies.

Swakane Fire Perimeter as of 7/12 at 2230 hrs

UPDATE: 8:00 PM 7/12/10

Yesterday and last night saw active fire behavior and growth in the Swakane wildfire. Although there was significant fire behavior today, pushed by steady winds of 20 miles per hour and gusts to over 40 miles per hour, which also prevented use of helicopter support much of the day, all fire activity remained within the fire lines.

Moreover, additional work has been accomplished to establish and fortify fire containment lines, particularly along the Burch Mountain Road and the northeast flanks of the fire. A small spot fire today between Highway 97A and the Columbia River was rapidly suppressed.

Homes, structures and utility lines are threatened by this wildfire. Homes and structures have been actively protected by Chelan County Fire Districts 1 and 8 (Entiat), along with mutual aid provided by Chelan County Fire Districts 5, 6 and 9 and Douglas County Fire Districts 1, 2 and 4. No homes have been lost in this incident, although a hay barn burned on July 10. The Chelan County PUD has been clearing nearby vegetation and applying a flame retardant paint today to protect its power poles.

Windy conditions will continue through the evening and decrease tomorrow. Although much of the timber is still too moist to burn actively and is a natural barrier to progression of the fire, these fuels have been drying and contributed more actively to fire behavior today. Logs and blown-down trees from previous fires and windstorms several years ago burned, emitting lots of smoke, in the Tenas George Canyon.

The Level I Evacuation Advisement continues for 70 homes along Hwy 97A and the Level II Evacuation Advisement remains in effect for 3 residences in Swakane Canyon. There has been no change in road closures.

Hwy 97A is a major transportation route in the area. The fire has directly affected a distance of about 9 miles. There are congestion, fire activity and fire personnel present. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph in some places. This evening the highway was temporarily closed as fallen rocks were cleared. Temporary closures may continue to occur as fire activity and safety concerns require. Drivers are requested to avoid stopping in this area and consider using Hwy 97 on the east side of the Columbia River if possible. This fire does not affect Lake Chelan or other popular visitor destinations in eastern Washington and can be easily viewed from safe sites across the river.

WIMT 4 is managing the incident under a joint Delegation of Authority from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Southeast Region, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management, and Chelan County Fire Districts 1 and 8, with assistance from other State, Federal and local agencies.

UPDATE: 11:15 AM 7/12/10

Yesterday and last night saw active fire behavior and growth in the Swakane wildfire. The fire is burning in dry grass and brush in steep terrain near and along Hwy 97A. Homes, structures and utility lines are threatened. There were significant protection accomplishments in spite of challenging windy conditions. Windy conditions continue today with red flag warnings posted for much of eastern Washington and northeastern Oregon.

Last night, in spite of strong, erratic winds, crews were able to use “burn out” techniques and fortify control lines along the SW flank of the fire in the Burch Mountain Road area. A spot fire in that area between Hwy 97A and the Columbia River was successfully controlled this morning.

Significant effort was also successfully expended protecting homes and structures along Hwy 97A yesterday afternoon and last night. No homes burned. Seventy homes in that area are under Level I Evacuation Advisement. Three residences in Swakane Canyon are under Level II Evacuation Advisement.

Yesterday and last night, the fire expanded to the northeast into the Tenas George Canyon.

Suppression efforts today will focus on using air attack, and equipment such as dozers, engines and hand crews to establish and strengthen control lines and protect homes, structures and powerlines.

Winds 13 to 25 miles per hour with gusts to 30 miles per hour are forecast for today with strongest activity in the afternoon. Although temperatures will be lower (75 degrees), the air continues to be very dry. Firefighters must maintain vigilance and awareness, monitoring potentially changing wind and weather conditions as they are working.

Additional crews and resources have been arriving continuously and are being put to work immediately.

Three local road closures are in effect. Swakane Canyon is closed at Hwy 97A. Burch Mountain Road is closed at the end of the blacktop. Nahahum Canyon is closed 6.7 miles north of Hwy 2. Highway 97A was temporarily closed last night when the fire crossed the road. Temporary closures may occur as fire activity and safety concerns require. There is congestion and fire traffic, fire crews and distractions from air operations along this route. In order to protect firefighters and the public, drivers are requested to avoid stopping in this area and consider using Hwy 97 on the east side of the Columbia River if possible.

WIMT 4 is managing the incident under a joint Delegation of Authority from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Southeast Region and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with assistance from other State, Federal and local agencies.

UPDATE: 7:37 PM 7/11/10 Highway 97A has re-opened from its temporary closure due to wildfire activity between Entiat and Wenatchee. The Swakane Wildfire is active in that general area. It continues to burn very close to Hwy 97A and there are fire traffic and crews working close to the road. If travelers can avoid the area, reducing congestion and protecting safety, by using Hwy 97 (on the east side of the Columbia River) it would be recommended.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has declared a Level I Evacuation Advisory along Hwy 97A from the 9800 block (approximately Milepost 209) south to the Turtle Rock Estates (approximately Milepost 207). The Turtle Rock Estates area has been under Level I advisement since early today. This new additional closure affects approximately 10 homes. Under Level I, people are advised that there are severe threats from the approaching wildfire. It recommends that preparations and precautions be made for people with special needs and mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pests and livestock.
There is also a Level II Evacuation Advisory along Swakane Canyon, affecting 3 permanent residences. Level II advises that dangerous conditions exist that may threaten a person’s residence or business and a person must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. The ability to provide emergency service protection may be limited in this situation.

UPDATE: 6:20 PM 7/11/10: Hwy 97A (on the west side of the Columbia River) has been closed intermittently because of activity from the Swakane Wildfire. Travelers might choose to use Hwy 97 on the east side of the Columbia River as an alternate route.

UPDATE: 4:37 PM 7/11/10

Here is the latest information from the Incident Command:

• Level II Evacuations still in effect for Swakane Canyon. Level II indicates residents should be ready to leave at a moments notice. Many residents have relocated to temporary Red Cross sheltering in Wenatchee 8 miles to the south.
• Level I Evacuations are now in effect for residents near the vicinity of the entrance to Swakane Canyon. Level I advises that preparations and precautions be made for people with special needs, mobile property, and pets and livestock in the case that evacuation may be necessary. The Turtle Rock Estates to include Tilly Lane and Turtle Lane on the east side of Hwy 97A is a Level I evacuation.  On the westside of 97A addresses to include 7618 to 8556 Hwy 97A (10 homes) have been placed under Level I Evacuation.
• Three local road closures are in effect. Swakane Canyon is only open to local access. Burch Mountain Road is closed at the end of the blacktop. Nahahum Canyon is closed north of Section 14. Also, please be extremely cautious if traveling Highway 97A between Wenatchee and Entiat. There are fire traffic and distractions from air operations along this route. In order to protect firefighters and the public, please do not stop your vehicles in this area.

FULL PRESS RELEASE

Swakane Wildland Fire Update

Incident: Swakane Wildfire

The Swakane fire grew rapidly yesterday (July 10) to a size of 4,500 acres. The fire was driven by strong afternoon and evening winds. Local resources responded under initial attack and at 6:00 a.m. this morning Washington Interagency Incident Management Team (WIMT) 4 took charge of the fire.

The fire is in steep terrain with mixed fuel types consisting of grass, brush, and timber. Suppression efforts today will focus on establishing line with air attack and hand crews.

Currently there are approximately 165 people assigned to the fire. This morning’s objective will be to size up the fire to determine resource and staffing needs and tactics, protect structures, and begin control efforts.

Three local road closures are in effect. Swakane Canyon is only open to local access. Burch Mountain Road is closed at the end of the blacktop. Nahahum Canyon is closed north of Section 14. Also, please be extremely cautious if traveling Highway 97A between Wenatchee and Entiat. There are fire traffic and distractions from air operations along this route. In order to protect firefighters and the public, please do not stop your vehicles in this area.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has placed Swakane Canyon under Level II Evacuation Advisement. Level II advises being prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Eighteen people evacuated on July 10 and 14 of them spent the night in a Red Cross shelter in Wenatchee. No homes burned. One hay barn was destroyed. The Turtle Rock Estates to include Tilly Lane and Turtle Lane on the east side of Hwy 97A is a Level I evacuation. On the westside of 97A addresses to include 7618 to 8556 Hwy 97A (10 homes) have been placed under Level I Evacuation. Level I advises that preparations and precautions be made for people with special needs, mobile property, and pets and livestock in the case that evacuation may be necessary.

WIMT 4 is managing the incident under a joint Delegation of Authority from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Southeast Region and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with assistance from other State, Federal and local agencies.

This is the first large fire of the season in Chelan County and is indicative of the increased fire danger associated with the hot dry weather this week. Grass and brush are very dry.

UPDATE: 11:38 AM Pacific 7/11/10

The Swakane Wildfire was reported at 1200 on July 10, 2010. The wildfire was burning actively in fine fuel (grass and brush). By 2200 it was estimated to be 4500 acres and affecting the slopes of Swakane Canyon, visible from Hwy 97 and the Columbia River. Several homes, other structures and vehicles were threatened. Helicopters and air tankers actively worked on the fire.

The fire is burning on Washington Department of Natural Resources protection (state and private land) and USDA Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest land.

There is a Level II Evacuation Advisement on Swakane Canyon. 18 people were evacuated on July 10 and 14 spent the night in a Red Cross shelter. Roadblocks have been set up on Swakane Canyon at Hwy 97 (with local access only) and Burch Mountain Road (closed at the end of the pavement) by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. Nahahum Canyon is closed at the end of the blacktop.

At 0600 on July 11, 2010 Washington Interagency Incident Management Team took command of the fire. Approximately 160 people have been assigned to the fire and resources include one Type I helicopter, 4 Type II helicopters, 6 engines and 2 dozers.

UPDATE: 7:30 PM Pacific

Winds Pushing Swakane Fire

WENATCHEE—Strong afternoon winds on Saturday were pushing the Swakane Fire down canyon toward U.S. Highway 97-A and the Columbia River.
The rapidly-moving fire was detected on Saturday and led to 17 people being evacuated to a Red Cross shelter in Wenatchee. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Department has ordered a level two evacuation that calls for other residents to be able to leave within minutes.
Fire managers now estimate the Swakane Fire to be about 3,000 acres. Firefighting resources at the scene now include five helicopters and two air tankers. Fire managers have also ordered additional fire engines, water tenders and hand crews.
The fire is burning in steep ground so aerial firefighting resources are playing an integral part in suppression efforts.
Washington Incident Management Team-4 will be managing Swakane Fire suppression efforts beginning Sunday morning.

Released 4:35 PM Pacific, Published 6:36 PM From the US Forest Service and Incident Command:

Firefighters Working to Contain Fire North of Wenatchee

WENATCHEE—On Saturday afternoon, federal, state and local firefighters were working to contain a fire located about seven miles north of Wenatchee in the Swakane Creek drainage.
Chelan County Sheriff’s deputies have set-up a road block for firefighter and public safety at the southeast end of a primitive road system leading northwest from U.S. Highway 97-A, into the Swakane State Wildlife Area. Two structures were threatened by the fire, which was burning down the drainage toward the highway.
The Swakane Fire is now burning in grass and timber on land managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service.
Firefighters estimated the blaze to be about 1,500 acres late Saturday afternoon and had not yet determined the cause of the fire, which was detected on Saturday.
Washington Department of Natural Resources and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest managers have ordered a type-II interagency incident management team to manage suppression efforts on the Swakane Fire. The team is expected to begin managing those efforts Sunday morning.

5:36 PM – We are currently awaiting the latest information from the Incident Command. Information will be updated as it becomes available.

NCW is blessed with great weather, excellent recreational opportunities, and spectacular scenery. However, with this we are also at risk for disasters. Our region is at risk from Wildfire, Flood, Earthquake, Volcanic Eruption, Severe Storms, Winter Storms, on top of being in a region that offers limited travel routes. The narrow canyons and valleys of Chelan County pose challenges in and of themselves. The city of Wenatchee has only two routes capable of handling high volumes of traffic safely. Disaster preparedness is very important in our region, for individuals and businesses.

• Make a Kit

o Make a kit capable of lasting your entire family a minimum of 72 hours (3 days). Longer is better. Most people know to include non-perishable food and water, but there are also other items such as maps, compass, wind up radio, first aid kit, tools, just to name a few items.

o Make smaller kits available for the car and office. These should include a small supply of food, water, maps, etc.

o Get the entire family involved in making a kit.

• Have a Plan

o Identify an out-of-town contact, and make sure all family members know who they are and how to reach them. Out-of-town contacts can be easier to contact, and, provide a centralized and most likely unaffected person to coordinate with.

o Do not rely on cell phones or Voice Communications. Phone lines, especially cell towers, often become clogged during an emergency. If you have a cell phone, utilize text messaging instead of calling someone. Text messages are more reliable since they are much smaller pieces of information. If everyone relied on text messaging in an emergency, cell phone communications could be kept open for emergency services and 911 calls.

o Subscribe to any alert services in your community. WVC Students have this for the college, and residents can sign up for Chelan County Fire District’s own TxtAlert service.

o Plan for situations involving sheltering-in-place, or evacuating. Know your place of work’s emergency plan, as well as your child’s school emergency plan. Know where you would go if an evacuation occurred. Staying with family out of town can often be more comfortable than a shelter.

o Develop plans, and insure everyone in the family has a copy. Use online tools to help develop your plans, linked from our website.

• Be Informed

o Know the possible dangers of where you live, and plan accordingly.

o Know what impact this will have on getting or sending information. Our area’s geography makes it difficult to rely on wireless methods of sending information, whether it is telephone, radio, or television.

o Get trained to better prepare yourself for a disaster, including knowing CPR and First Aid.

If you need more information, or have questions or comments about what you heard today, you may contact us online at www.chelancountyfire.com or at Station 11 at 662-4734.

Get More Information

• ReadyAmerica Online Tools and Guides for Disaster Preparedness
• ReadyKids Tips for Families and Teachers
• ReadyBusiness Disaster Planning Information for Businesses and Organizations
• Apple Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross General Disaster Tips, Gear, and Training

Flames burn dry brush near Crescent Bar, Spanish Castle Fire 2010 (Cary Ulrich Photo)

High winds fanned the flames, but eventually died down to allow firefighters to gain the upper hand and contain the blaze late in the evening. All Chelan County Fire District 1 apparatus and crews were back in the county by late evening.

The blaze underscored the volatile nature of dry brush in our region and reminds us all of the importance of keeping a vigilant fight against wildfire.

Our special thanks to Washington State Department of Natural Resources Chopper 8 and her crew for their efforts this evening in controlling this blaze. Chopper 8 was on standby at Station 11 for the Independence Day holiday.

Boaters enjoying time on the water (drouu/sxc.hu)

Boating Safety in North Central Washington

With the Columbia River, Wenatchee River, Lake Entiat, Lake Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, the Entiat River, Wapato Lake, and a multitude of other water recreational opportunities in the region, we’re lucky to have access to such diverse water recreation.

However, whether your going on the water in a row boat, or a large motor vessel, there are things you can do to make sure your summer water fun stays safe.

Every year in Washington state, preventable boating accidents occur resulting in injury, death, and loss of property. Following the rules of boating and some safety tips can keep you and your property safe.

• Know the rules! Every waterway has different rules for boating, including maximum speed, wake rules, etc. Some navigational aids are present warning you of no-wake zones, but remember this is a rural area. Take the time in advance to know the rules for your destination waterway.
• Do a boat check before leaving for the water. Make sure everything is in working order, from the engines, to instruments, to safety gear, everything. Doing a thorough check before leaving for the water will do a lot to keep unwanted delays from keeping you from your water fun, or, cutting it short.
• Make sure you have all of your safety equipment in place. Life jackets, appropriate fire extinguishers, and any other safety gear required for your type of boat.
• Don’t forget Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs, or Life Jackets) for EVERYONE on board, not just children, but all adults and pets. Boating regulations require enough PFDs for everyone on board, and common sense extends that to pets. Children
  

  Keep your kids in USCG approved life jackets while on the water (bjearwicke/sxc.hu)

  should wear PFDs at all times while on board a boat, and adults are urged to do so as well. All it takes is one slip! Remember: you don’t float.
• Ensure you have the correct gear for your outing, from safety equipment to lunches and water. Pack first aid kits and medications, and clothes for sudden changes in weather.
• Don’t overload your boat though, know your boats capacity, and ensure that passengers+gear does not go over capacity.
• NEVER run your engine near swimmers. Not only are the prop blades a potential hazard, carbon monoxide from your engine can quickly overcome a swimmer. If you see swimmers nearby, shut your engine down immediately.
• Pay special attention to children while on the water and near docks. (Again, this is why children should wear PFD’s immediately upon arrival at the boat launch, before the boat even touches the water).
• Watch out for hidden dangers underwater such as rocks, trees, and debris.
• Keep an eye out for diving flags, and take extra care to avoid divers.
• About 1/3 of boating accidents are a result of intoxication. The pilot of the vessel must remain sober at all times, as Boating Under The Influence (BUI) is a crime in Washington State. Not only is it illegal, but it is just plain dumb to do. Stay ‘dry’ while on your boat. In our region, this means either the Chelan County Sheriff Marine Patrol or Douglas County Sheriff Marine Patrol will be taking you off the water. Be smart, don’t boat and drink.

While this information is not exhaustive, hopefully it gets you thinking about boating safety! Below are some more links for more information on boating safety.

US Coast Guard Boater Safety Page

Chelan County Sheriff Marine Patrol

Douglas County Sheriff Marine Patrol