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August 5, 2024

Size: 1,056 acres
Start Date: July 17, 2024
Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Resources Assigned: 218 Personnel 5 crews 14 engines

CURRENT SITUATION:

Crews were challenged yesterday due to hot, dry, unstable weather conditions. Firefighters continued working to remove fallen trees and debris from the shoulders of State Route 20, reinforcing the highway as a fire break. Crews assessed the progress of strategic firing operations conducted Saturday along the Mt. Hardy ridgeline. The Easy Fire is burning on extremely steep slopes where burning logs can roll downhill, further spreading the fire downslope. Overnight crews, including two staffed fire engines, monitored State Route 20 for any spot fires, hazard trees, or debris threatening the southwest side of the highway.

Due to increased fire activity and debris rolling downhill, State Route 20 is temporarily closed, as of 4 August, 2024 in both directions between Granite Creek (MP 148) and Easy Pass Trailhead (MP 157). Firefighters are conducting full suppression tactics on the Easy Fire and actively removing hazard trees and debris from State Route 20. This work, along with the very active fire behavior, necessitates a closure to protect the public from hazards like falling trees or rocks along with fire growth. Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on State Route 20.

TODAY:

Crews will utilize full suppression tactics to address two spot fires that occurred yesterday on the southeast side of the fire below Mt. Hardy. Aerial resources will assist ground crews with helicopter water bucket drops to cool the northwest side of the fire. Work continues to remove fallen trees and debris along State Route 20 to reinforce the fire break along the highway. Forecasts show increased winds in the afternoon today and into Tuesday. Given the expected weather, fire activity is likely to increase with backing, flanking, isolated torching, and spotting. Two staffed fire engines will remain positioned on State Route 20 overnight to monitor any fire activity that could threaten the west side of the highway.

WEATHER AND SMOKE:

Temperatures will increase slightly into the mid 90s. Forecasts predict sunny, but hazy, skies. Winds will be 1-4 mph and increase to 9-12 mph with gusts up to 18 mph after 9:00 a.m. See https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d for more information about smoke and air quality.

CLOSURES:

State Route 20 is closed in both directions between Granite Creek (MP 148) and Easy Pass Trailhead (MP 157): https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures . This closure includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html . Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

EVACUATIONS:

There are no evacuations in place for the Easy Fire. Given the increase in fire activity, anyone recreating in the area should be vigilant of surroundings and stay out of closed areas.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080

Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov