Approximate Location
Incident Overview
Current info:
The Swakane Fire remains at 19,291 acres with a perimeter line established around the fire. The Type 2 Incident Management Team that had been overseeing suppression efforts on the fire has now been replaced by a local Type 3 Team led by Incident Commander Michelle Ellis. Currently, there are 60 personnel assigned to the fire.
Today's strategy is to continue to strengthen containment lines and prepare them for future burnout operations. Burnouts will occur over the next week or so depending upon weather and fuel conditions.
Crews are working in the higher elevation areas along Burch Mountain Road. As the fire line is secured and burned out, crews will be assigned to work in areas on the north side of the fire perimeter.
Please note that road closures remain in effect.
Updates will occur as needed.
Fire history:
The Swakane Wildfire was reported at 12:00 noon on July 10, 2010. The wildfire was burning actively in fine fuel (grass and brush). By 10:00 p.m. it was estimated to be 4,500 acres and affecting the slopes of Swakane Canyon, visible from Hwy 97A and the Columbia River. Several homes, other structures and vehicles were threatened. Helicopters and air tankers actively worked on the fire.
The fire was burning on Washington Department of Natural Resources protection (state and private land) and USDA Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest land.
Early on in the fire there was a Level II Evacuation Advisement on Swakane Canyon. 18 people were evacuated on July 10 and 14 spent the night in a Red Cross shelter. Roadblocks have been set up on Swakane Canyon at Hwy 97A (with local access only) and Burch Mountain Road (closed at the end of the pavement) by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. Nahahum Canyon is closed at the end of the blacktop.
July 11, 2010 Washington Interagency Incident Management Team took command of the fire. Approximately 160 people were initially assigned to the fire and resources included one Type I helicopter, 4 Type II helicopters, 6 engines and 2 dozers.
By July 14, the fire had affected a nine-mile stretch along Hwy 97A and the steep hills that rise above the Columbia River valley and tributary side canyons. The lower parts of the fire were burning in dry grass and threatened homes and power transmission lines.
By July 15, the fire was estimated to be 19,746 acres.
July 18, a Type III incidnt management team took over suppression responsibility for the fire.
July 19, the current acreage is 19,291; reduction in acreage reflects more accurate mapping.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Under Investigation |
| Date of Origin | Saturday July 10th, 2010 approx. 12:18 PM |
| Location | 6 miles N of Wenatchee |
| Incident Commander | Ellis |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 60 |
|---|---|
| Size | 19,291 acres |
| Percent Contained | 85% |
| Estimated Containment Date | Friday July 30th, 2010 approx. 12:00 AM |
| Fuels Involved | 1 Short grass (1 Foot) light timber, old burn, reprod, brush |
| Fire Behavior | More active isolated burning in unburned islands. |
| Significant Events | None |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Mastication, patrol and mop-up as needed and improve line. |
|---|---|
| Growth Potential | Low |
| Terrain Difficulty | Medium |
| Remarks | None |
Current Weather
| Wind Conditions | 36 mph W |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 70 degrees |
| Humidity | 44% |
