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 White River and Irving Peak Fires Update September 4, 2022 - 9:00 AM 

Plain, WA – Lightning started the White River and Irving Peak Fires on August 11. The fires are burning on the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, northwest of Plain, WA.  

Suppression Strategy – Fire managers are continuing to implement our long-term strategy including the use of primary and contingency perimeter lines for containment. Tactics include completion and reinforcement of fire lines (roads and hand line). 

Operations – A more seasonal, cooler weather pattern moves over the fire area tomorrow moderating fire behavior. Smoke may continue to be visible over the next several weeks as remaining interior fuels continue to smolder and burn out. Firefighters will continue to actively manage both fires over the coming weeks with a long-term strategy in place. Due to moderating fire behavior, fire updates will transition to every other day meaning there will be no update tomorrow. Daily updates may resume if a change in fire activity occurs. 

White River Fire - Acres: 1,348; 1% contained 

Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA. 

A cold front moved into the area yesterday and brought gusty winds out of the northwest. The increased winds caused some interior burning and smoke throughout the fire. The fire was most active in the southeast corner; however, the fire experienced minimal growth. Today, firefighters will continue to monitor the southern portion of the fire while remaining ready for initial attack on any new fire starts.  

Irving Peak Fire - Acres: 2,937; 7% contained 

Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA 

The Irving Peak Fire saw limited growth primarily on the northwest corner influenced by breezy conditions. The fire experienced low-to-moderate fire behavior with backing, flanking and short-range spotting. Containment lines on the southern flank continue to hold. On the eastern edge, the fire crossed Ninemile Creek, but is currently holding in place. Today, firefighters will improve containment lines while monitoring the fire as it backs down towards containment lines. Firefighters will also remain ready to assist with any new initial attacks. 

Weather and Fire Behavior – Winds will be breezy again today as another dry cold front approaches the region. Westerly wind with gusts of 20 to 30 mph is expected, with the highest gusts across the ridgetops. Afternoon relative humidity will be slightly lower than yesterday, but will remain above critical levels.  

Air quality and smoke outlook – Smoke from multiple wildfires in northern California and Oregon continues to move north into the area in addition to smoke generated from local fires. Smoke levels in the Lake Wenatchee area have a high probability to increase throughout the day. The current smoke outlook, along with information about air quality health recommendations during smoky conditions, is available at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/84d849be and at Washington Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Closures – Several road and area closures are in place for the safety of firefighters and the public. Fire managers are asking people to please respect these closures while recreating in the area. An emergency closure, issued by the Forest Service, remains in place for the Little Wenatchee Road (Forest Service Road [FSR] 65) to include the section between the National Forest boundary and the junction of FSR 65 and FSR 6700.    

For additional information about current closures, please visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Home (usda.gov) .  

Restrictions - Campfires are not allowed anywhere within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Restrictions are now in effect for the entire forest, including campgrounds and wilderness areas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600 

Evacuations- Current Chelan County evacuation levels include a Level 2 evacuation (Be Prepared) for Sears Creek Road and Level 1 (Stay Alert) for White River Road and Little Wenatchee Road. https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies 

Recreation impacts- In addition to the Forest closure and fire restrictions, fire officials recommend avoiding recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas. Smoke is visible from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT remains open and is not directly impacted by the fires. However, the Little Wenatchee Ford and White River Trailheads are closed and cannot be used to access the PCT. The Buck Creek-Spider Meadow Loop is open and accessible, but smoke and nearby fire activity may impact the area.  

Safety message – The public is asked to please watch out for firefighters and firefighting vehicle traffic in the area. 

Are you pulling a trailer or boat this holiday weekend? With the low humidity and high temperatures, a small spark from a dragging safety chain can quickly create a large fire. Please be responsible and take a moment to check your tow chains. 

Resources- Total personnel assigned: 331 including 1-Type 1 (Hotshot) hand crew; 3-Type 2 IA (Initial Attack) hand crews; 1-type 2 hand crew; 1-camp crew; 2-heavy lift helicopters; 1-medium lift helicopter; 1-light lift helicopter; 14 engines; 1 dozer; 2 masticators; 6 water tenders; and 130 overhead personnel. 

Follow us online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo 

Estará disponible una traducción al español en: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8329/