Norse Peak Fire Update Sunday, September 10, 2017 – Morning Update CONTACT: Fire Information 509-658-2475 (7:30 am.-7:30 p.m.) https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5509/ [email protected] www.facebook.com/NorsePeakFire/ Date Started: Aug. 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Total acres: 49,997 Containment: 12% Structures Damaged/Destroyed: None Injuries to date: 1 (minor) Total Personnel: 599 Fire Resources: 13 crews, 33 engines, 4 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, 10 water tenders FIRE SUMMARY The California Central Coast Incident Management Team is in command of the Norse Peak and American fires. Fire activity continued to be minimal to moderate due to the current weather conditions. This weather trend is expected to change Monday and into Tuesday as high pressure builds into the area. This could bring increased fire behavior due to temperature increases and lower relative humidity. Wednesday into Thursday will bring another low pressure system resulting in lower temperatures and increased humidity. At this point however, it appears that the fire will not receive any wetting rain. We continue to see additional resources arriving and the Washington National Guard is continuing to aid the firefighting efforts. NORSE PEAK FIRE (49,997 acres): Crews continued to work in the State Highway 410 area and we noted an increase in smoke production and moderate fire movement mostly contained to the under story. The fire is still contained to the north side of State Highway 410. In the Crystal Mountain, Gold Hill and Silver Springs areas, the fire continued slowly creeping toward the structures. However, crews continued work to remove vegetation, establish handlines and sprinkler lines in the area. Adequate firefighting resources are in the area to handle any significant spread. Work on Forest Road 462 is complete and hose lines are in place to use the road as a holding line for the fire’s southwest corner. AMERICAN FIRE (1,958 acres): There was an increase in fire activity on Saturday with rollout seen with associated uphill runs predominantly in the under story in dead, down and ground fuels being consumed. Air resources were deployed into this fire area and were highly successful in limiting fire spread. Structure protection measures are in place along Bumping River Road from the lake to Ira Ford Lane and firefighters will continue working their way north today. CLOSURES: State Highway 410 will remain closed from State Route 123 to east of Bumping River Road. There are no closures along 123. Bumping River Road is closed. A modified road closure from 0800-2000 will be in place on State Highway 410 from Bumping River Road east to Saw Mill Road to facilitate heavy fuel modification and removal. Campers and residents will be allowed controlled access to the open Forest area up to Bumping River Road The 1900 Road is closed as are Little Naches and Kaner Flat campgrounds and the Little Naches cabins. Crystal Mountain Boulevard is closed. The Pacific Crest Trail closure has expanded. It is now closed from White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass. The latest Forest Closure Order for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Fire is in place for the fire area and complete details can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices. The latest Forest Closure Order for Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest is in place and can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mbs/alerts-notices. The White River entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park is closed. Updates for the park can be found at https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm. For hunting/fishing information and closures, please contact Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife at 360902-2200. EVACUATIONS: In Yakima County, there is a Level 3 Evacuation Order for Goose Prairie along Bumping River Road. In Pierce County, a Level 3 evacuation has been ordered for the Silver Springs Campground, Silver Creek, Deep Creek, Goat Creek, Alta Community, Pick Handle Basin, Gold Hill Community and the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort area.