Fire Reported at an Estimated 2,500 acres
Update provided by Fire Information Officer, Max Jones
The Rocky Reach Fire is now estimated at 2,500 acres, with 10% containment. Fire officials report minimal growth overnight. Crews worked Saturday to secure existing containment lines and to extend them around the fire’s perimeter.
As of Sunday morning, total personnel listed at 147. There are 4 crews, 15 engines, 3 dozers, and 2 water tenders. The cause of the fire, which started Friday about 5 miles north east of Wenatchee near Rocky Reach Dam, remains under investigation.
Incident Summary: The Rocky Reach Fire started on the southwest flank of Burch Mountain approximately five miles northeast of Wenatchee on the evening of July 13th. Burning in grass and brush, rapid spread threatened a number of residences. Level 1 evacuation notices were issued for Burch Mountain and Swakane Canyon neighborhoods and there was concern for the Sunnyslope community should the fire spread southward. Chelan County Fire District #1, Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest and Washington Department of Natural Resources forces responded and worked through the night. Acknowledging the growing complexity of the incident, a type 3 interagency incident management team (IMT) under Incident Commander Kimiko Nalle was mobilized on July 14 to assume command of the incident.
Saturday: As fresh resources arrived they were tasked with securing existing containment lines and extending them around the fire perimeter. A primary objective for the day was achieved when firefighters completed a burnout operation along the southwest flank from Burch Mountain to Highway 97A. Heavy smoke and fire equipment traffic temporarily closed Highway 97A during the day, but it was reopened later in the afternoon. Elsewhere, crews worked along the highway and up Swakane Canyon to cool remaining hotspots.
Sunday: The priority is to close the last remaining section of open perimeter from near Burch Mountain eastward over to Swakane Canyon on the northern flank of the fire. Reports from overnight patrols indicate that fire activity was minimal and no significant size growth occurred. Sections of line established yesterday will largely shift into mop up operations—cooling any remaining hotspots in the fire’s interior near containment lines or structures. Fire size estimates increased primarily as a result of the burn out operation. Additional adjustments will be made as more accurate mapping becomes available.
*The air space over the fire area is closed to all aircraft below 7500 feet msl, including drones, except those assigned to the incident.
Be extra cautious with power equipment and other potential fire starters this summer. A careless moment can have long-term effects. Be informed and abide by restrictions that are in place.
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