NOTICE OF EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER

YAKIMA RIVER CANYON CAMPGROUNDS

AGENCY: Wenatchee Field Office, Spokane District, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the
Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Emergency Closure Order temporarily restricting camping, day use, and river
access in Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Roza and Big Pines Campgrounds, located in the Yakima River Canyon
in central Washington.

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that due to the Evans Canyon Fire, an Emergency Closure Order that
temporarily restricts access and use of the Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Roza and Big Pines Campgrounds is
now in effect for the BLM-managed public lands that make up this recreation area.

DATES: This Closure Order will be in effect from September 2, 2020 – until further notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

BLM – Wenatchee Field Office 915 Walla Walla Ave.

Wenatchee, WA 98801

(509) 665-2100

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Emergency Closure Order affects public lands within the Yakima
River Canyon Recreation Area. The Emergency Closure is necessary to ensure public safety around the
campgrounds during fire suppression operations. BLM will post the Order at the main entry points to
this area. A copy of the Closure Order and a map of the affected area will be available at the BLM
Wenatchee Field Office (see contact information above). Under the authority of Title 43, Code of
Federal Regulations, Section 9212.12, the following acts are temporarily prohibited on BLM
administered lands in the Yakima River Canyon Recreation Area.

General Day-Use, Offloading or Launching of Watercraft, and Camping

The following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically
authorized by written posted notice.

2. Any federal, state, or local officer or employee in the performance of their official duties,
including members of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official
duty.

3. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

NOTE: An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility
for performing any exempted activity.

Any person who knowingly and willfully violates this Emergency Closure Order issued under Section
9212.12 may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined no more than $1,000, imprisoned
for no more than 12 months, or both. Done at the Spokane District Office this 2nd day of September 2020.

Evans Canyon Fire burning in Yakima and Kittitas counties puts recreationists at risk, closure includes roughly 150,000 acres around Wenas Wildlife Area 

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced the emergency closure of the Wenas Green Dot Road Management and part of the Oak Creek Green Dot Road Management areas in Yakima and Kittitas counties. The closure takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

The land closure was prompted by the Evans Canyon Fire burning in the area. The fire is now estimated at roughly 52,000 acres with wind and dry fuels on the ground creating a hazard for firefighters, residents, and visitors in the area. Most notably, wind events in the area have caused the fire to burn in unpredictable directions. 

“Our goal is to  ensure firefighters, who are trying their best to protect the communities, habitats, and natural resources impacted by the fire, are not put in a position to have to rescue a camper, hiker or hunter,” said Todd Welker, manager, DNR Southeast Region. “This wildfire is both fast-moving and unpredictable, and is already putting families in the area at risk. We know this is an inconvenience for residents heading out for the long weekend, but we simply have to play it safe.” 

Parts of North Wenas Road, Sheep Company Road and Naches Wenas Road are closed. Highway 821 (Yakima Canyon Highway), BBQ Flats and Wenas recreation areas are closed. The Yakima River Canyon is closed, including boat launches and campgrounds. 

“We know this closure will change plans for folks heading out over Labor Day weekend to enjoy the great recreation opportunities it provides,” said Mike Livingston, WDFW Region 3 Director. “The Evans Canyon Fire spread has been explosive for several days and the agencies are concerned about the public unknowingly being put in harm’s way. Our thoughts will continue to be with the families currently impacted by evacuations and at risk of losing their homes, and our brave firefighters and pilots working day and night to put this fire out.” Welker and Livingston stressed that firefighting and law enforcement resources are stretched thin with wildfires cropping up across the dry landscapes. They added that the coming week is poised to be one of the most wildfire-prone weeks of the year with hot, dry conditions, coupled with wind events, expected across the state. The agencies will announce the reopening of the recreation lands when it is safe for the public to enter.

Evans Canyon Fire continues to burn about 8 miles north of Naches, Washington, and into Kittitas County. Results of an infrared flight estimate the fire to be 69,920 acres. 

Yesterday’s Operations: 
The fire burned actively throughout the day, particularly to the north into Umtanum Creek and Ellensburg Pass, northeast into the Yakima River Canyon, and to the west/southwest to Cleman Mountain Ridge Road. Crews improved and mopped-up constructed control lines from the previous day’s operation. Direct dozer-line, handline and firing operations were conducted to protect private property, structures, grazing, timber and critical infrastructure. 

Today’s Operations: 
Dozers, hand crews and engine crews will continue direct perimeter control, constructing lines to stop fire spread from reaching the Kittitas Valley, Wenas Valley and Naches. Several strike teams of fire engines are assigned to provide structure protection within and adjacent to the fire area. Crews will continue working to hold and improve existing line.

Closures:
Parts of North Wenas Road, Sheep Company Road and Naches Wenas Road are closed. Highway 821 (Yakima Canyon Highway), BBQ Flats and Wenas recreation areas are closed. The Yakima River Canyon is closed, including boat launches and campgrounds.  

Safety Message:
Level 3 evacuation orders remain in place for all homes north of Wenas Lake, west of Longmire Lane and north of Naches Wenas Road in Selah, and north to the Kittitas County line. Level 3 evacuations extend south to Wenas Creek, east of Sheep Company Road to the Yakima River and in the Yakima Canyon. For evacuation updates, visit the Facebook page at YakimaCountyOEM. With the start of the holiday weekend, please be aware of increased traffic in the fire area and surrounding communities.

There will be a Virtual Community Meeting on the Evans Canyon Fire hosted via Facebook Live on the Southeast Washington Interagency Management Team Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/sewaimt/comm_mtg at 5 PM today, September 4.

The Evans Canyon Fire is currently burning approximately 8 miles north of Naches.  Fire information from members of the Type 2 Incident Management Team will be shared, including weather, fire behavior, and operations. 

The meeting content will be available, both live and recorded, the Facebook page without logging onto Facebook or having a Facebook account. The Virtual Community Meeting will also be recorded and will be available on the Facebook page after the live meeting.

Firefighters have been making progress on the Evans Canyon fire, and the fire is now 10% contained. Fire crews on the Evans Canyon Fire will begin a burnout operation this afternoon on the east side of Clemens Mountain. This burnout operation will remove remaining fuels between the wildfire and a dozer control line. This firing operation will be highly visible from many locations along the Old Naches Highway and beyond. The community should be aware that this is an intentional burning operation to starve the wildfire of flammable vegetation in this area.

Evans Canyon Fire Update

Northwest Incident Management Team 12, Incident Commander, Jeff Dimke

September 3, 2020

Evans Canyon Fire is burning actively about 8 miles north of Naches in Yakima County, Washington, with the northeastern point stretching into Kittitas County. Results of an infrared flight conducted last night estimate the fire is approximately 52,000 acres. Today’s temperatures will be in the mid-80s to 93˚ F. Winds are predicted to be light at 7 to 10 mph, with ridgetop gusts of 20 to 25 mph.

Yesterday’s Operations: Firefighters stopped the spread of the fire on the southeastern edge, near Longmire and Wenas Valley, tying into roads and securing it with dozer lines. Retardant and water drops were focused on the west side of the fire in the vicinity of Clemans Ridge. Dozer lines were constructed in the Umtanum Creek area. Crews continued working to establish control lines around the fire perimeter.

Today’s Operations: Crews will continue mopping up around structures and securing constructed control lines, as well as establishing containment lines around the fire perimeter and conducting burnout operations.

Closures: Parts of North Wenas Road, Sheep Company Road and Natches Wenas Road are closed. Highway 821 (Yakima Canyon Highway), BBQ Flats and Wenas recreation areas are closed. The Yakima River Canyon is closed, including boat launches and campgrounds. 

Safety Message: Level 3 evacuation orders are in place for all homes north of Wenas Lake, west of Longmire Lane and north of Naches Wenas Road in Selah, and north to the Kittitas County line. Level 3 evacuations extend south to Wenas Creek, east of Sheep Company Road to the Yakima River and in the Yakima Canyon. 924 residences remain under Level 3 evacuation orders. For evacuation updates, visit the Facebook page at YakimaCountyOEM. Please be aware of high temperatures and increased fire traffic in the fire area and surrounding communities.

Press Release 
Evans Canyon Fire 
September 2, 2020 1:00 P.M. 

Officials will hold a media conference at the “old” Naches Valley Primary School in Yakima County, Wash., at 2 p.m., to update media on the current conditions of the Evans Canyon Fire that started Monday 8 miles northeast of Naches. The conference site at 2700 old Naches Road is currently being used as the incident command center for firefighting efforts.

Officials that will be on hand  include Yakima County Commissioner Vicki Baker, Selah Fire Department Chief Gary Hanna, Yakama Valley Emergency Management Operations (EMO) Manager Horace Ward and Northwest Incident Management Team 12 Incident Commanders Jeff Dimke and Bobby Shindelar  

The conference will highlight ongoing firefighting efforts and plans for community healing following the loss of five primary residences to the fire – the greatest loss of property to fire in Yakima County in nearly five years, according to officials. “Today is the first day of healing and recovery,” said Yakima Valley EMO’s Ward. Officials will also detail current evacuation orders and alerts.

Evans Canyon Fire Update

Northwest Incident Management Team 12, Incident Commander, Jeff Dimke

September 2, 2020

Summary: Evans Canyon Fire is burning actively about 8 miles north of Naches in Yakima County, Washington. The fire is moving primarily southeast and northeast, and is driven by winds that are expected to continue until late this evening, challenging containment. Weather forecasts call for a warming and drying trend, with winds of 15 to 18 mph and 25- to 30-mph gusts. Temperatures will be 82 to 86 ˚F.

Yesterday’s Operations: Crews spent most of the day providing protection around structures. Firefighters worked to secure spot fires which jumped containment lines on   the north and south sides of the fire. Reports indicate that primary residences and outbuildings were lost. Command was transferred to the regional Northwest Incident Management Team 12 at 8 p.m.

Today’s Operations: Firefighting crews will continue to provide protection for communities and structures. Assessments will be conducted to determine the number and locations of lost structures. Crews will work to establish control lines around the perimeter of the fire. We are deploying aircraft to assist firefighting efforts. Additional crews, engines and other equipment have also been ordered.

Closures: North Wenas Road is closed at Longmire Road. BBQ Flats and Wenas recreation areas are closed. The Yakima River Canyon is now closed, including boat launches and campgrounds. 

Safety Message: Evacuation levels 1 (ready), 2 (set), and 3 (go) are currently in use. Level 3 evacuation orders are in place for all homes north of Wenas Lake, west of Longmire Lane and north of Naches Wenas Road in Selah, and north to the (Kittitas) County line. Level 3 evacuations also extend south to Wenas Creek. A level 2 evacuation order is in place to the east of Sheep Company Road to the Yakima River, and in the Yakama Canyon. For evacuation updates, visit the Facebook page @ YakimaCountyOEM. Please be aware of increased fire traffic in the fire area and surrounding communities.

The Inyo National Forest Closure Order for the Castle Fire still applies to this area. To read the closure order attached at the bottom of the page. It has the full area description with it.
 
For questions about access to Inyo National Forest lands and the eastern Sierra Nevada, please contact the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center via phone, 760-876-6200,  Monday- Friday, 8:00 am -4:30 pm, closed federal holidays. Please note that the Visitor Center in Lone Pine is closed for in-person visits.

2.A.1. (8557 – Temporary Fire Area Closure)

Determination to Change

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Regulations
 

Consistent with applicable legislation and Federal administrative policies, and based upon a determination that such action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, aid to scientific research, implementation of management responsibilities, equitable allocation and use of facilities, or the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities, the Superintendent makes the following changes to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Regulations.

Regulation Change:

 

The following areas are temporarily closed to all individuals:

·        Lands within Sequoia National Park in the East Fork Kaweah River, South Fork Kaweah River, and Tule River drainages within the following boundary: beginning in T18S R30E Mount Diablo Baseline and Meridian at the intersection of the park boundary and the South Fork Kaweah River, north along the park boundary to the East Fork Kaweah River, east along the East Fork Kaweah River to the ridge between the Mineral Lakes and Mosquito Lakes drainages, south to the ridge that defines the north edge of the Horse Creek drainage, southeast to the park boundary, and west along the park boundary to the South Fork Kaweah River, as depicted in the attached map.

·        Lands within Sequoia National Park in the Kern River drainage within the following boundary: beginning in T18S R33E Mount Diablo Baseline and Meridian at the intersection of the park boundary and the Kern River, west along the park boundary to a point 0.5 miles east of Shotgun Pass, north along a line 0.5 miles east of the Shotgun Pass and Soda Creek and Big Five and Little Five Lakes trails to the Big Arroyo, northeast to the 11,200 ft elevation contour, east along the 11,200 ft contour to Red Spur, east to the 10,400 ft contour, north along the 10,400 ft contour to the ridge south of the Kern-Kaweah River, east to a point

0.5 miles west of the Pacific Crest Trail, south along a line 0.5 miles west of the Pacific Crest Trail to the park boundary, and southwest along the park boundary to the Kern River, as depicted in the attached map.

2

EXCEPTIONS: This regulation shall not apply to the following:

 

·        Firefighters and overhead personnel assigned to the Rattlesnake Fire, SQF Complex, or any fires that directly impact or threaten resources or occupants.

·          Government workers performing essential functions when authorized by chain of command.

·          Other individuals approved by the Incident Commander.

 

Previous regulations affected by this change:

 

This closure rescinds and replaces the area closure of lands within the exterior boundary of Sequoia National Parks in the Kaweah, Tule, and Kern River drainages enacted September 30, 2020.

Reasons for change:

 

The SQF Complex Fire has been checked to the north and no longer poses an imminent threat to the Mineral King valley or the Middle Fork Kaweah River drainage. The Rattlesnake Fire growth has been checked to the north and east and slowed to the south and west. Hazardous conditions persist within and around the fires, including open flames and smoldering fuels, rolling rocks and logs, tree hazards, and firefighting activities.

Effective Dates:

The temporary closure will be effective from November 2, 2020 at 0001 hours until the fire activity has subsided to a point at which there is minimal risk to the public, as determined by the Incident Commander.

 

Authority for adoption:

Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR, Part 1.5