Mission Ridge Fire: Residents Told to Evacuate

WENATCHEE — Fire bosses have issued a strong warning to evacuate to residents near Mission Ridge Ski Area, including Forest Ridge.

“The implementation of this notice was prompted by the very rapid growth of the Table Mountain Fire Complex,” a news release issued a short while ago said.

The evacuation area “covers Squilchuck and Mission Ridge Roads from the Wenatchee Heights Road south to and including the Mission Ridge Ski Area. This includes Halvorson Canyon and Hampton Road.”

“There are indicators of extreme fire behavior and residents of these areas are strongly advised to leave the closure area as soon as possible,” the new release said.

There have been reports of the Table Mountain Fire throwing 8-inch chunks of burning bark 6 to 7 miles into the Mission Ridge area, said Mick Mueller, spokesman for national team fighting the Wenatchee Complex fires.

Randy Shepard, a fire spokesman for the Wenatchee complex, said the fire near Table Mountain threw up a large column of smoke and burning debris this evening that has “caused glowing bark to hit the ground at Forest Ridge.”

Mueller said the Table Mountain Fire could reach Blewett Pass sometime Thursday morning. The Blewett Pass highway closed about 4 p.m. today because of the fire. It is closed eight miles south of the Big Y Junction with Highway 2.

A roadblock has been set up at the junction of Wenatchee Heights and Squilchuck roads. It is being manned by East Wenatchee Police officers because Chelan County sheriff’s deputies, Wenatchee police and Douglas County sheriff’s deputies are delivering evacuation notices.

There are 150 to 200 houses getting Level 3 notices, officials said. A steady stream of cars can be seen coming down off the mountain about 8 p.m.

Eight fire rigs were seen heading up Mission Ridge Road.

There is a down-canyon breeze, which is fueling the fire to come over the ridge toward the homes, said Chelan County sheriff’s deputy Jason Reinfeld.

At the junction, burned material can be seen falling out of the sky.

People being evacuated tonight can bring large domestic animals to the Chelan County fairgrounds in Cashmere. People should use the Kimber Road access and to the the Tillicum Riders area within the fairgrounds. They should open the gate and secure their animals in the arena.

Owners must notify Karen Welch of the Expo Center at 782-3232 or 679-7676) with a description of the animals and the owner’s contact information. Owners are responsible for all feeding and care of their animals. Stock trailers used to transport large animals may be temporarily stored at the fairgrounds. They should be parked so as not to block access to facilities.

Small animals may be sheltered at Countryside Veterinary Clinic, 405 Ohme Road, free of charge if the pet is current on all vaccinations. Pets not current can be immunized at the clinic for standard fees. There is room for 16 dogs. Cats brought in sturdy carriers can also be accommodated. Space will be on a first-come basis. For more information, call the clinic at 662-4004.

The Red Cross has re-activated its emergency shelter at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on the corner of Fifth Street and Western Avenue. For more information, call the Red Cross at 663-3907.

Due to air quality issues, ll area residents may visit the shelter if they need a respite from the smoke and haze. “You do not need to be under an evacuation order to visit a Red Cross shelter,” said Marriah Thornock, administrator of the Apple Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

In other fire news, at 6 p.m. today, evacuation levels for No. 2 and Stiss canyons to the end of the pavement were reduced from Level 2 to Level 1. The homes beyond the end of the pavement remain at Level 2, which means they should be prepared to leave.

Evacuation levels for First Creek and Granite Falls Road residents have been reduced from Level 3 to Level 2.

We expect more information later tonight.

Source:  The Wenatchee World