Fields Point Fire is 70% Contained

Photos submitted to Lake Chelan Now by Carl (Cappy) Peterson and Kim Fogel

Fields Point Fire Update, 10:00 a.m., Sunday, 7/22/18

Information and drone photos provided by Wenatchee-Okanogan Forest

The Fields Point Fire is now estimated to be 144 acres in size and is 70% contained. The updated acreage figure is due to improved mapping.

Fire managers have started to release some of the fire resources. Today resources include one- 20 person hand crew, two engines and several overhead are working on this fire. Firefighters are still dealing with interior hot spots and mop up of the fire. Smoldering smoke may continue to be noticeable from interior pockets

Chelan County Emergency Management reduced the Evacuation Level Advisory yesterday.. The five residents at Level 2 evacuation status between MP6 and MP7 are now lowered to LEVEL 1 status. All previous Level 1 “fire advisory” notifications remain in place until at least this evening. South Lakeshore Road is posted as “Closed – LocalTraffic Only” in an attempt to keep traffic slowed down through the fire response area. There are still fire crews and vehicles working along the roadway between MP6 and MP7. Use caution and please slow down in the area. The cause of the fire is remains under active investigation.

Public safety and the safety of firefighters is the top priority. Firefighters will be moving equipment and personnel throughout the area. Please keep your speeds down in the area and watch for fire fighters and emergency vehicles. This will be updated as conditions change.

Fields Point Fire Update: 8:00 a.m., Saturday 7/21/18

Information from Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest

The US Forest Service has become the lead agency on the fire burning near Fields Point on Lake Chelan’s South Shore. Fire Information Officer, Deb Kelly, confirmed this morning that the fire stood the test of sustained and gusty winds buffeting the valley yesterday evening and into the night, with no growth reported.

The fire remains at 60 acres and is reported at 25% containment.  Crews will work today on continuing to secure the firelines with one helicopter providing air support. Kelly indicated they hope to get aerial images from a drone later today. Evacuation levels are unchanged but no structures are currently threatened.

South Lakeshore Drive remains open with one lane of alternating traffic controlled by flaggers. Lady of the Lake passengers can access the Fields Point Landing, but are encouraged to allow extra travel time. Please avoid the area if possible.

Fields Point Fire Update: 1:30 p.m., Friday 7/20/18

Information from Chelan County Emergency Management

Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation notifications are still in place. Roads are open, however, there is a Level 2 checkpoint at MP 6.

At this time, there is no immediate threat to any structures. Officials are asking residences living in the area to remain alert as conditions can change suddenly. There is a large number of fire crews and apparatus on the roadway. Please keep your speeds down in the area and watch for fire fighters and emergency vehicles. This will be updated as conditions change.

Fields Point Fire Update: 12:30 p.m., Friday 7/20/18

Information provided by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The Fields Point Fire was reported this morning at 5:00 a.m. July 20, and is estimated to be over 60 acres. The fire started west of Fields Point Landing on the South Lakeshore Rd, and the cause is under investigation. The fire is burning on national forest, county managed and some private land.

Fields Point Landing remains open for access to the Lady of the Lake ferry service.

The fire is being managed under unified command by Incident Commander Rob Kephart with resources from Chelan County Fire District 7, DNR, and the Forest Service.

Partial Road Closure: One lane has closed on the South Lakeshore Road near the incident; access is being coordinated with fire resources, watch for flagger controlling traffic. Anticipate fire traffic when traveling around this area. Please limit travel though this area and be aware of increased traffic from fire fighting vehicles. DO NOT SLOW OR STOP on roadway or shoulders!

Evacuation Advisories: A level 2 fire advisory notification is in effect for residences between milepost 6 and 7 on the South Lakeshore Road. Chelan County Sheriff’s Department has issued Level 2 notifications indicate those residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

Fire management agencies are currently monitoring the fire movement and will advise if evacuation levels need to be upgraded. If Level 3 evacuation notifications become necessary, the Chelan County Sheriff will notify residents.

Fire Activity: The fire continues to burn slowly in dry grass and scattered timber; the steep terrain has potential to make the response by ground crew challenging. Air support through use of helicopters and retardant planes have been effective on slowing fire spread, while hand crews construct line around the fire.

There are approximately 100 firefighting personnel on scene, 3 initial attack crews, 3 type III engines, 7 brush trucks, 2 air tankers, 1 helicopter, various overhead are working on this fire. Additional resources have been requested.

Fire is burning in the 2015 First Creek Fire burn scar with the sparse amounts of heavy fuels (trees, down logs) the fire activity is slow and smoldering.

• Public safety and the safety of firefighters is crucial. Firefighters will be moving equipment and personnel throughout the area. Travelers should use extra caution when traveling around on the South Lakeshore Rd near mile post 6 – 8.

• Be aware that operating drones or UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) near a wildfire is illegal. Drones can interfere with air operations and cause a shut down. Suspended operations can place firefighters, residents, and property at risk.

For fire information on the Fields Point Fire, please call 509-682-4900.

Fields Point Fire Update: 10:00 a.m., Friday 7/20/18

Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that the fire is 50 acres. DNR, U.S. Forest Service and local fire district engines and hand crews are responding, as well as two helicopters and a tanker plane.

Fields Point Fire Update: 8:00 a.m., Friday 7/20/18

Fire crews battling the fire burning near Fields Point have closed one lane of the south shore road, but passengers planning to board the Lady of the Lake and Lady Express can still access the Fields Point Landing.

Initial Report: 6:30 a.m., Friday 7/20/18

There were two brush fires this morning on the South Shore. At approximately 4:25 a.m. Chelan Fire and Rescue (CFR) was called out for a brush fire in the area of Fields Point, along South Lakeshore. Currently there are level 2 evacuations in place for Kneisley Timber area and houses east of mile post 6. The Lake Chelan Yacht Club also reported receiving a level 2 phone alert around 6:00 a.m.

Central Washington Incident Command and Department of Natural Resources personnel are on the scene with CFR. Air support has also been requested.

Temporary road closures will likely be needed. Please use caution when driving in the area and watch for emergency vehicles.

The first fire was toned out around 4 a.m. in Navarre Coulee. At 5:22 a.m. that fire was confirmed to be in mop up. Chelan Fire and Rescue responded with Chelan County Fire District 8, Entiat.

Lake Chelan Now will update the report as new information is received.