8/23/10

The Eightmile Lake Fire is estimated today at around 155 acres.

Terrain sheltered the high winds from the fire area and with moisture and cool temperatures, the fire did not noticeably grow.  The fire continues its pattern of increased activity in late afternoon, after humidity drops and fuels are drier.

The fire is burning in a mosaic pattern that creates different vegetative types and diverse habitats.  Two sides of the fire are steep, rocky cliffs that form natural containment lines; Eightmile Lake lies at the bottom of the slope.  The 1994 burn area flanks the area to the east of the drainage.

The fire is approximately 13 miles southwest of Leavenworth, in the popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness area.

Smoke is most likely to be seen in late afternoon and early evening.

Please respect these Trail closures:

      Eightmile Lake Trail #1552

      Eightmile – Trout Lake Trail #1554, closed from Eightmile Lake to
      Windy Pass

The popular Eighmile 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.

Ibex Fire remains at 65 acres.  Strong cloud cover, cooler temperatures and some precipitation kept fire activity to a minimum.  The Mt David Trail #1521 is closed for public safety.

Thunder Basin Fire remains 75-100 acres in size and the fire behavior was similar to the Ibex Fire.  The PCT Trail is not impacted by the Ibex fire, but a travel advisory for the White River Trail #1507 remains in effect.

The advisory alerts people that there is wildfire in the vicinity and to be aware of potential for changing conditions.  People are advised to not travel on the trail.

A wildfire is an unplanned ignition and may be managed using multiple strategies and objectives. All three wilderness fires on the District are managed under multiple objectives which are: firefighter and public safety, protecting values at risk, and allowing fire to play its natural role in the wilderness ecosystems.

A reminder that campfire restrictions are in effect for all forest lands within the Wenatchee River, Entiat and Chelan Ranger Districts.  Please contact ranger districts for specific information before you go camping.