Devore Creek Fire near Stehekin remains within management action points

Information and photos released by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Wildfire Updates: Hotter and dryer weather on Wednesday, coupled with a few nights of low relative humidity, resulted in increased fire activity on the wildfires being managed on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Smoke from the South Fork Fire, burning in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness about 14 miles northwest of Leavenworth, WA, was evident late Wednesday afternoon. The fire grew about 40 acres but remains within the drainage where it has been smoldering and consuming surface fuels since it was ignited by lightning on July 23. The fire is estimated to be 180-acres; an infrared flight Thursday night along with a reconnaissance flight will provide a more accurate map and acreage total. This fire is being managed to play its natural role in the environment and to preserve and enhance wilderness integrity.

More smoke was also noticeable in the interior of the Left Hand Fire, located 17 miles northwest of Naches, WA. Creeping and smoldering fire behavior in unburned pockets of timber fuels will continue until fall rains extinguish these little hot spots.

Devore Creek Recon Photos above and below taken 8-29-19

Increased smoke was visible on the Devore Creek Fire burning 3 miles southwest of Stehekin. The fire burned a bit more actively up drainage away from Stehekin on Wednesday. Although the fire was fairly active there was not a lot of fire spread and it is well within management action points. The fire size is estimated at 550 acres.

A reconnaissance flight was scheduled to assess and evaluate the fires. Fire management resources will continue to monitor the fires and take appropriate suppression action as necessary, for the right reason, in areas that have the highest probability of success.

Fire activity should diminish with cooler temperatures. Smoke will continue to be seen in fire areas until fall rains occur.

All air quality monitors in Central Washington remain ‘green’ for good, see https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ for more information.

#WaSmokeBlog #WaWildfire #GreatestGood #FireForest #Restoration