A public meeting regarding the Mills Canyon Fire will be held tonight at 7:00 PM at the new Chelan County Fire Station 8 located at 2200 Entiat Way in the town of Entiat. The Mills Canyon fire started near the City of Entiat on Tuesday, July 8. Despite the efforts of local resources, the fire quickly grew to over 1000 acres by evening. Three outbuildings were damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the fire at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, July 9. The team is working with existing local resources in developing fire control strategies and tactics. Other cooperators include the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Washington State Department of Natural Resources, (WA DNR), Bureau of Land Management, Chelan County Emergency Management, and Chelan County Fire District 8. The Chelan County Sheriff’s office is providing assistance with evacuations and road closures. Fire Situation: At approximately 8:00 PM last night, a request for State Mobilization was declared for additional personnel, equipment, and other logistical resources from the state. As of this afternoon, the fire was estimated at 18,065 acres. There was a new start in Entiat this afternoon north of the high school. Fire personnel from the fire camp responded to the fire;it was quickly suppressed. The focus for today will be on the northern portion of the fire perimeter. Challenges for fire personnel include steep rocky terrain, flashy fuels, and warm weather conditions. Firefighter personnel will continue scouting the southern perimeter for safe access routes. The fire has reached Highway 97A on the eastern perimeter and has been closed due to rolling debris onto the highway and heavy smoke conditions. Evacuation Levels: A Level 3 Evacuation was initiatd this afternoon for Roaring Creek Road for 14 structures. Highway 97A is open to all traffic. There is also a Level 1 in place for 109 structures along Highway 97A between Entiat River Road and Swakane Canyon Road. Approximately 122 structures are at a Level 2 Evacuation on Entiat River Road between Mile Post 1.5 and Roaring Creek Road. The Entiat River Road is open to local residents only. For additional information on evacuation levels or road closures, please refer to the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page. Mills Canyon Fire Update LEVEL 1: A level 1 Evacuation means alert. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, and monitor local media outlets for information. Evacuations at this time are voluntary. LEVEL 2: A Level 2 Evacuation means be ready. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the effected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment’s notice. LEVEL 3: A Level 3 Evacuation means leave immediately. Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Road Closures: Highway 97A between Entiat River Road to Wenatchee. Shelters: The Red Cross is operating a shelter at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on 5th and Western in Wenatchee for displaced residents. For additional information contact the Wenatchee Red Cross at 509-663-3907 Smoke may be heavy at times in the Entiat river valley, particularly down valley from the Mills Canyon Fire. Prevailing winds could carry smoke towards Wenatchee. Heavy smoke can be of concern to elderly, young children, and anyone with respiratory health conditions. Those persons may need to take precautions by staying indoors and limiting outdoor activities until smoke conditions improve. The public is asked to stay clear of the road closure areas and to minimize traffic on roads accessed by firefighting crews. Fire danger remains high across Eastern Washington. Be sure to check with your fire agencies for local fire restrictions, forest and state closures. The Washington Incident Interagency Management Team 2 appreciates your support and patience while firefighters work to manage the Mills Canyon Fire. No injuries have been reported on this fire.
Posted on: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 02:15:25 +0000
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