Active Suppression of Thunder Creek Fire Begins

Date: June 4, 2015
Contact: Fire Information, 360-854-7361

Firefighters began active suppression of the Thunder Creek Fire in North Cascades National Park Service Complex. North Cascades smokejumpers are expected to parachute into the area today to work beside the Whiskeytown Fire Module firefighters who hiked in yesterday.The crews plan on helicopter support, including slinging in sprinklers, pumps and hoses to help protect historic cabins in the area. Air support will be weather dependent.

Firefighters reported the fire, smoldering during the recent wet weather, has gradually grown to approximately 60 acres.

The Thunder Creek Fire, first detected on May 30, is burning in wilderness, with rocky, dangerous and steep terrain on the north and east, with more access from the south flank.

The decision to suppress the fire rather than let it play its natural role in the wilderness ecosystem was made in part because it started so early in the season and experts anticipate very high potential for wildfire this summer throughout the west.This could result in significant fire activity and growth throughout the west, with very few available firefighting resources later in the season.