Lone Mountain Fire Update—July 21st a.m.

Date: July 21, 2014
Contact: Lone Mountain Fire Information, 360-854-7362

July 21, 2014 09:00 am. Marblemount, WA--- Today command of the Lone Mountain Fire was transferred from the local team to the Northern Rockies Wildland Fire Management Team (NR WMT). The NR WMT is a highly skilled group of professional firefighters trained to manage large and complex fires. In addition to the NR WMT, one 20 person handcrew from Arizona, two fire use handcrews, smoke jumpers, two helicopters and various other resources are assigned to the fire. The demand for firefighting resources continues to be high due to the large number of very active fires in the Pacific Northwest.

The fire grew to 1400 acres over the weekend. On Saturday it received some precipitation and cooler weather decreasing the fire behavior and growth. The fire continued to burn into the Boulder Creek drainage on Sunday. The weather forecast for the middle of the week indicates the possibility of more favorable firefighting conditions with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. The fire continues to burn in a very remote area with difficult access but it is still moving away from the Stehekin community. 

Fire crews are working on the south side of the fire near the Stehekin community to enhance fire lines and installing hose lays to give additional protection for the community. Other ground forces will complete water pumping systems and hose lays at Juanita Lake to enhance the firefighters’ ability to keep the fire out of the War Creek drainage if the need arises. All ground forces continue to be supported by helicopter. 

The Boulder Creek Trail in the North Cascades National Park and the War Creek Trail on the Okanogan - Wenatchee National Forest remain closed. The Easy Pass Trail was also closed by the Okanogan –Wenatchee National Forest due to a fire between Kitling Creek and the Cabinet Creek area. 

The 2010 Rainbow Bridge Fire burned between Stehekin and today’s Lone Mountain Fire, which reduced fuel and is aiding the firefighters in protecting the community. The North Cascades National Park crews have also used prescribed fire and forest thinning projects in recent years around Stehekin, further reducing fire hazard for the community. 

Lone Mountain Fire Information: 360-854-7362