Northern Rockies Team 8 assumes command of the Fire

information released

Northern Rockies Team 8, a Type III Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Brad Bergman, assumed command of the Pomas Fire on August 5th at 8:00 p.m.

Firefighters and support personnel remain actively engaged in a full suppression strategy, minimizing the fire’s spread where feasible, and protecting critical values at risk in Holden Village, Lucerne, and the Entiat and Chiwawa River drainages. Firefighter and public safety remains the top priority on the incident.

Current Situation:

An infrared flight from yesterday, August 5th, showed scattered isolated heat throughout the fire perimeter, with isolated pockets of intense heat primarily in Ice Creek, Pomas Creek, and the upper Entiat River corridor. Due to challenges from the fire being located in rugged, roadless terrain, firefighters along with heavy equipment focus on completing fuel reduction efforts along secondary control lines.

On Monday, air operations conducted bucket drops on an area of heat north of the main fire perimeter in remote and inaccessible terrain. The spot was reported by firefighters stationed at lookouts near Ice Lakes and Myrtle Lake and was successfully cooled by aircraft.

The Initial Attack contingency working in the Entiat River corridor, south of the fire, completed fuel reduction efforts and road cleanup along the 5606 road; similar work on the 5608 road continues. These crews remain ready to support local fire suppression efforts with any new starts. In the Chiwawa River valley, heavy equipment and crews are progressing on the secondary control line construction, removing heavy fuels and clearing brush along the road corridor.

Fire activity is expected to be minimal over the next couple of days as moisture and cooler temps enter the area. Pomas Fire Updates will be published every other day unless fire activity increases.

  • Evacuations: A Level 1 Fire Advisory remains in effect for Holden Village, including the Rio Tinto Mine water treatment plant; this advisory does not include Lucerne.
  • Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in effect. Many alternatives for recreation are still open outside the closure area. The fire remains 12 air miles from the Pacific Crest Trail and currently poses no threat to that trail. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire has been lifted.
  • Weather: Today, expect temperatures in the low to mid 60s with steady light to moderate rain in the morning ahead of a cold front. Wetting rains are likely with some clearing in the afternoon followed by a slight chance of thunderstorms. A chance of showers continues into Thursday with temperatures in the mid 60s.
  • Safety: Fire danger remains very high. To avoid making the spark that starts the next wildfire, respect current fire restrictions and avoid ignition sources. Current fire restriction information within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/alerts

Pomas Fire Stats and Resources