Lack of road access and steep terrain challenge firefighting efforts

information released

Firefighters face significant challenges accessing the fire due to the lack of road access and extremely steep and rugged terrain. More than 500 firefighters are actively engaged in a full suppression response to keep the fire as small as possible and within the Entiat River drainage.

Current Situation:

Firefighters flew into the northern edge of the fire to scout for direct attack opportunities and are currently analyzing the data collected to evaluate the feasibility of those options. Crews in Holden Village worked clearing overgrown vegetation, creating more defensible space throughout the community; this work will continue today. Heavy equipment worked on improving firefighter access and egress while building secondary control line along Chickamin Road. Firefighters are focused on keeping the fire within the primary control lines, which consist almost entirely of geographic features such as mountain ridges.

These secondary control lines are being constructed as a precautionary measure. Firefighters are preparing to work on secondary control line construction to protect the greater Lake Wenatchee and Plain communities in the event conditions change and the fire escapes the primary geographic barriers, with heavy equipment already starting to arrive. Fire managers tested a helicopter-based Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) aerial ignition system today to be prepared for a tactical firing mission to further secure the south/southeastern portions of the Pomas Fire.

  • Evacuations: A Level 1 Fire Advisory has been issued 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 place for the Glacier Peak Wilderness along with associated trails, roads, and campgrounds due to the Pomas Fire. The fire is 12 air miles from the Pacific Crest Trail and currently poses no threat to that trail. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR, as helicopters and aircraft cannot fly when drones are present.
  • Weather and Smoke conditions: Expect warmer and drier conditions today and tomorrow, with highs of 82-86 forecasted. Smoke may become more visible from nearby communities, including Entiat, Chelan, and Winthrop. Learn more about smoke at the Washington Smoke Blog.