North Cascades Wildfire Update Sept 3

Smoke from the Brush Creek fire. Looking down the Chilliwack River from over the Copper Ridge Lookout. Sept 1, 2009

NPS

News Release Date: September 3, 2009

Contact: Kerry Olson, 360 854-7302

Overview: Thirteen fires ranging in size from a single tree to 400 acres have been burning in the North Cascades National Park Complex since late June. All were started by lightning. The total acreage for all fires combined is nearly 900 acres. Five of these fires are being managed with suppression tactics to protect the public, and infrastructure in the area. The other eight fires are being managed for resource benefits.

Current Situation: The Brush Creek fire became more active last week. Recent mapping shows it at 304 acres. It created a small spot fire north of the main fire, closer to the mouth of Brush Creek. The Brush Creek fire is still burning within parameters established by fire managers and fire personnel are developing a plan should future fire movement warrant additional action. The other two larger fires that are still burning, the Panther and Elija fires, 220 and 353 acres respectively, have not shown any recent increased growth. However, both fires continue to smolder and smoke. No new fires have been discovered after the most recent scattered lightning. An aerial reconnaissance will take place today, Thursday.

Conditions and Fuels: Fires are burning in fire adapted ecosystems. Fires are in subalpine and mixed conifer forests.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Cooler weather with possible showers and lightning is predicted for the next couple of days, through the weekend.

Resources Assigned to the Fires:
Personnel: Park staff supported by additional single resources. Aircraft: 1-Type 3 (light) helicopter. Expected Actions: Fire personnel will continue to monitor the fires, and take actions as appropriate.

TRAIL CLOSURES: The following trails are CLOSED, until further notice.
The Panther Creek Trail is closed from the trailhead on Highway 20 to Fourth of July Pass. The Brush Creek Trail is closed from Whatcom Pass to the Chilliwack River. The Chilliwack River Trail is closed from the Copper Creek Camp northward to the Copper Ridge Loop Trail. The Copper Ridge Loop Trail is closed from the Copper Lake Camp to the junction with the Chilliwack Trail. The Company Creek Trail is closed from the Stehekin Valley into the Glacier Peak Wilderness due to a fire in Sable Creek managed by the USFS.

HIGHWAY 20 is open. Park visitor facilities have not been affected by the fires, except for the trail closures

Smoke: Numerous fires are burning in Canada and Washington State, causing haze within the Park. To see a map of the smoke visit:
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Current/FSHScanada231_G11.jpg