InciWeb the Incident Information System: Eight Mile Lake

INCIDENT UPDATED 9/9/2010

Approximate Location

47.519 latitude, -120.856 longitude

Incident Overview

Severe lightning storms are responsible for wildfires on the Wenatchee River Ranger District. A wildfire is currently burning in the Eight Mile Lake area approximately 13 miles southwest from Leavenworth, in the popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. The fire began Wednesday afternoon, August 18th. The fire is estimated at 150 acres.

Eight Mile Lake Fire is burning about midway up a very steep slope directly above Eight Mile Lake. The fire has burned to the lake. This wilderness fire is largely naturally contained on three sides by very steep, rocky cliffs; Eight Mile Lake lines the bottom of the slope. Old burn areas flank the area to the east and west of the drainage.

Smoke continues intermittantly. Fire conditions will determine if the trails will remain open. The fire is burning on slopes above the trail and rolling rock, trees and debris could jeopardize your safety, please do not enter the burn area.

This fire is managed under multiple objectives: primary is firefighter and public safety, protecting values at risk, and allowing fire to play its natural role in wilderness ecosystems. Fire Managers continue to evaluate the fuels and terrain within the fire areas and assess risk. There are no structures or trailheads at risk at the current time. The extremely steep terrain poses a high risk value to firefighter safety.

Eight Mile road and campground are open, and access to the Enchantments remains open. The fire does not impact services or accommodations elsewhere in the Icicle Valley or Leavenworth.

For more information, contact the Wenatchee River Ranger District at 509.548.2550.

Basic Information

Incident Type	Wildfire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	Wednesday August 18th, 2010 approx. 02:05 PM
Location	Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Incident Commander	Dave Nalle/kevin Smith

Current Situation

Size	60 acres
Fuels Involved	Sub-alpine fir
Fire Behavior	Fire running towards top of drainage. Tree torching, rolling debris. As rocks and debris roll down towards the lake, it carries embers with it, that then burn up-hill. The fire is naturally contained on three sides by steep rocky cliffs and 8 Mile Lake at bottom of slope. On eastern & western flanks of fire are old burn areas.
Significant Events	Two trail closures for public safety: FS TRail #1552- 8Mile Lake Trail FS Trail #1554- Trout Lake-8Mile, from Windy Pass to 8 Mile Lake.

Outlook

Planned Actions	This wilderness fire is being managed for multiple objectives. Active monitoring, both by air and on-land occuring. Public safety & firefighter safety most important values at risk *wilderness fire is playing its natural role in this type of ecosystem.
Growth Potential	Growth expected on south facing slope, fire naturally contained on three sides.
Terrain Difficulty	Extremly steep and rocky terrain.
Remarks	Area was swept by FS personnel Wednesday. Hiker reservations for 8 Mile Lake cancelled indefinitely.