Three Lightning Caused Fires Burning in the Methow Valley

information released through the Northwest Coordination Center

Fire activity has increased on the Varden Fire located approximately 7 miles west of Mazama, WA., on the south side of Highway 20 and is estimated at over 700 acres. The Delancy Fire is located roughly 10 miles west of Mazama, north of State Route 20 and is estimated at 30 acres. It is staffed with smokejumpers and a helitack crew. The Cedar Fire, located roughly 3 miles southwest of Mazama is estimated at 75 acres in size. These lightning caused fires were caused by the thunderstorm that came through north central Washington on July 8.

To date, there has not yet been an infra-red flight to obtain or confirm acreage size estimates for the fires. Estimates have been based on information gathered from on-the-ground and aerial resources.

A Type II Incident Management Team has been ordered to assist with the fires and will be in briefing with the local fire resources Monday afternoon.

As of Monday, June 12 at 10 am–State Route 20 North Cascades Highway is closed to all traffic due to fire activity between milepost 170 and 177 is closed approximately 20 miles west of Winthrop between Silver Star and Early Winters. There is no estimated time for reopening of the road. For Highway 20 updates go to WSDOT:
https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/default.aspx… #VardenFire2021 #CedarFire2021 #DelancyFire2021

EVACUATION INFORMATION: Please see Okanogan County Emergency Management page for current status: https://www.facebook.com/search/top.

WEATHER: Thunderstorms are expected to form over the north Cascade mountains of Washington late Monday afternoon and evening. These storms will have the potential to produce heavy rain in steep terrain where drainages and fire burned areas could be overwhelmed with water runoff.

SMOKE INFORMATION:
The Forest Service works closely with other federal and state partners to predict and mitigate smoke impacts on individuals and communities during wildfires, visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ for local air quality information.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
Campfire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including developed campgrounds and congressionally designated Wilderness. — call local ranger district offices for more information. https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq