Single Publication

Swauk Creek Fire

September 18, 2024

Estimated size: 369 acres

Containment: 42%

Start Date/Time: 9/8/2024 at 3:54 PM

Area of Origin: Adjacent to Highway 97, 14 miles east of Cle Elum, WA

Cause: Human                                                      

Structures Damaged: 0

Update: Yesterday, crews completed firing operations along the fire's northern flank. Crews are continuing to let the fire burn on the interior to allow unburned fuels to be consumed.

There was a single spot fire yesterday that was less than a half-acre. Spot fires are common when doing firing operations. During this time, crews were standing by ready to respond and contain any additional fires quickly. Upon detection of the spot fire, firefighters were able to line and take action and it is 100% controlled.

In other divisions of the fire, crews continue to patrol, improve containment lines, mop-up around the burnt areas, and will continue these actions into the coming days.

Smoke will remain visible to citizens and travelers in local communities and along Highway 97 as the burn area finishes consuming the fuels. The fire continues to be fully staffed to monitor and maintain control lines on the northern flank.

Forest Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has area, road, and trail closures due to the Swauk Creek Fire. For a detailed list of closures, including a map of the closure area, please visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=90533.

Road Closures: Highway 97 remains open. Due to the increased flow of fire vehicle traffic traveling in and out of the fire area, we ask that people drive slowly through the area using caution.

Weather: With mostly sunny conditions today, temperatures will range from 66-73 degrees. General winds will persist from the west and northwest with breezy conditions in the afternoon and early evening.  Winds remained low this morning but increased into the afternoon bringing gusts up to 16 mph. Tonight, temperatures will cool to 46-50 degrees, becoming mostly clear overnight.

Evacuation Levels: Evacuation levels remain the same. They were updated as a precaution; there is no immediate residential threat from this fire. Evacuations can be found on the interactive map. Many Forest Service roads are affected in this area; please review the map if you want to know about a specific location/road.

Live map of active fires from Kittitas County:

https://kitcogis.maps.arcgis.com/.../minima.../index.html...

The First Creek area is currently closed to the public.

Notification Level 3 (Go Now) is shown on the map; however, this area has no residential structures.

Notification Level 2 (Get ready)

• Residences east of US 97 north of fire to Liberty Rd
• Forest Service Road 3506 south of fire to Upper Green Canyon Rd

Notification Level 1 (Be Fire Aware)

• The town of Liberty
• All Liberty Rd
• Forest Service Road 9726 and all of its extensions (including Deer Gulch, Pine Gulch, Robinson Gulch, and Harkness Gulch)

Currently, no evacuation notices are issued for residents south of First Creek or west of US Highway 97.

As always, conditions can change quickly; please stay alert and avoid the area if you feel unsafe.