Fire Update: New Blazes, Evacuations, Closures

Dry conditions mean fires are still active across Washington. Photo of firefighters on a firefighters on the Cougar Creek fire on Aug. 19, courtesy inciweb.

Wildfire resource links

• Resources for those impacted by the fire
• Check wildfire conditions and closures on Inciweb
• Follow #WAwildfire on Twitter
• Wildfire smoke and air quality updates
• Active fire map

08/19/15 6 p.m. UPDATE: Fire activity has been high and fast-moving the past couple of days, prompting evacuation orders and the tragic deaths of three firefighters near Twisp.

If you are making hiking plans, please check wildfire, road and forecast conditions. As you consider locations, avoid areas that will carry responder or evacuation traffic, or areas where resources are stretched thin.

New closures and requests are as follows:

The Twisp River Road has been closed, evacuation orders have been issued for Twisp and Wintrhop, and three firefighters have tragically lost their lives.

Fire activity has closed Highway 20 in both directions from milepost 119 at Newhalem to milepost 157 at Rainy Pass, 35 miles west of Winthrop, due to fire activity in the Newhalem area.

In North Cascades National Park:

• Upper and Lower Goodell group camps, and Newhalem Creek Campground are closed due to the fire and concern for visitor safety.
• Evacuations are in place for the town of Diablo, Gorge Campground, North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, and Ross Lake Resort

The Chelan Ranger District has requested that people refrain from recreating on all trails managed by the district.

08/17/15 UPDATE: The Dorothy Lake trail access from Highway 2 has been closed due to wildfire.

The Tatie Peak fire has been contained, thanks to exceptional work by fire crews and a break in the weather. The reduced fire danger in the vicinity has allowed Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest to re-open the Harts Pass Road and the Pacific Crest Trail heading north from Harts Pass to all visitors and hikers.

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8/15/15 ORIGINAL POST:

This week's rain showers also brought lightning with them, sparking new fires on Icicle Ridge, Chelan Butte and on Mount Adams.

The Wolverine Fire continues to block PCT through-hikers in the North Cascades and firefighters spent much of these week keeping the fire from entering Holden Village. But the dry weather and summer storms aren't the only causes of the fires, five human-caused fires started last weekend.

The Cougar Creek fire on the south side of Mount Adams has grown quickly. (See the closure area as of 8/15).

The Stickpin Fire on the Colville National Forest has prompted road and trail closures near Sherman Pass and the Kettle Crest.

Tracking Fires

Fire conditions can change quickly and hikers are advised to do their research before hitting the trail.

If you are unsure about the status of fires where you'll be going this weekend, check for any notices in our hiking guide, view fire overlay our Hike Finder Map, (click the USFS Fires button in the upper-right to toggle fire borders), check for any road closures or evacuation orders or call your local ranger station.

Another resource for wildfire information is InciWeb, which shows all active wildfires currently in Washington with details on any closures.

On Twitter, you can follow wildfire news using the hashtag #WAwildfire

Staying safe

Hiking in wildfire season can be unpredictable, so knowing what to do in the event that a fire crops up near you will help keep you safe. As always, we recommend picking hikes that are far away from any current fires due to their unpredictable nature, and it may help to review these tips before you head out.

As you enjoy the outdoors this summer, please obey land manger rules and do not start campfires where they are not permitted. Unfortunately, that means just about everywhere this summer. If you need to cook in camp, remember to bring your stove and check to make sure it is permitted where you're going.