Norse Peak Fire Update Thursday, September 14, 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: 55,448*; Containment: 12%; Structures Damaged/Destroyed: None; Injuries to date: 3 (minor); Total Personnel: 660; Fire Resources: 20 crews, 19 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 bulldozers, 10 water tenders, 1 masticator, 4 skidgeons *combined acreage of Norse Peak and American Fires

Fire Summary: Overnight, fire activity was minimal along State Route (SR) 410, exhibiting a slow creeping that continues to consume dead understory and ground fuels. High cloud cover this morning will dissipate this afternoon. Shifting north-northeasterly winds will occur in the morning and westerly winds will kick-up this afternoon. The low pressure system that moved into the region will linger but push east on Friday, maintaining current cool, dry conditions. A storm system is expected to move into the area Sunday night and Monday and will bring a chance of precipitation to the region for the first time in over 90 days.

A portion of SR 410 remains closed and, at this time, there is no projection date for it to re-open. Information on SR 410’s re-opening will be posted on the Norse Peak Fire Facebook and Inciweb pages. Norse Peak Fire North Zone: Firefighters continue their efforts to improve roads, remove fuels and build containment line. Crews near the Dalles, Crystal Mountain communities and Alta Vista Resort area continue working on structure protection building control lines and adding sprinkler systems. Crews continue to reduce fuels around homes in preparation for structure defense. The Sawmill Creek Fire is currently 915 acres with 0% containment and has increased 64 acres over the last few days. For Norse Peak Fire - North Zone information located on the west side of the fire in Pierce County please call: 253-6668841, or go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5594/40711/ for maps and other materials, or check the Sawmill Creek Fire Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SawmillFire2017/

Norse Peak Fire South Zone (52,502 acres): Crews continued their fuel reduction efforts along SR 410 and FS 1900 Road, including brushing, chipping, and clearing of tree limbs and woody debris to reduce the risk of potential wildfire growth on the eastern and northeast edge of the fire. Fire activity increased in the southeast corner of the fire and crews were redirected to that area. Helicopters have been providing water drops, coordinating with resources on the ground to aid with structure protection and are expected to continue similar operations today. Contact information for the Norse Peak Fire - South Zone appears above.

AMERICAN FIRE (2,946 acres): The American Fire was quiet with minimal activity overnight. The crews will continue to improve line and mop-up to prevent fire from escaping containment lines. Helicopters have been providing water drops and coordinating with resources on the ground to aid with structure protection and are expected to continue these operations. Crews continue to provide structure protection around cabins.

CLOSURES: SR 410 will remain closed from SR 123 to east of Bumping River Road. SR 410 on the west side of the Cascades and Highway 123 remains open. Bumping River Road is closed. Crystal Mountain Boulevard is closed. The Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass. Forest Closure Order for the Okanogan-Wenatchee at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices. Forest Closure Order for Mt. Baker Snoqualmie at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mbs/alerts-notices.

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For hunting/fishing information and closures, please contact Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife at 360-

902-2200. 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 Creek, Deep Creek, Goat Creek, Alta Community, Pick Handle Basin, Gold Hill Community and the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort area. The designated areas and current awareness levels for each area are: Area 1: From Federation State Park eastbound SR 410 to Forest Service Road 70. This area has no fire danger advisory level. Area 2: Forest Service Rd 70 eastbound SR 410 to Forest Service road 73. This area is currently at a fire awareness advisory LEVEL 1. Area 3: Forest Service Rd 73 eastbound SR 410 to FS 7160 (Ranger Creek). This area is at fire danger advisory LEVEL 2. Area 4: FS 7160 eastbound to Crystal Mountain Blvd. to include the Crystal Mountain Resort. This area is still at a fire danger evacuation LEVEL 3.