Lots of information to share on this Complex with you all today.  We appreciate every single one of you in being so patient while we work to catch up after our system upgrade.

INCIDENT INFORMATION

Multiple fires started on August 14, 2015, around 1030 Hours by Lightning.  Multiple fires in this Complex are located West of the towns Omak and Okanogan in Washington State.

FIRE STATUS

Currently, Fire Managers are reporting the Chelan Complex has been separated from the Okanogan Complex Fire reducing the staff of this Complex down by 371 personnel. The Chelan Complex has now been separated with its own Status page on Inciweb which we will be covering in another post.

North of Black Mountain displays moderate fire behavior with active group torching, backing and creeping.  Firefighters are currently holding the fire within the set perimeter and will continue to repair dozer and fire lines.

As of today’s update from Fire Managers, the fire has scorched a total of 132,932 acres.  Firefighters have a 85% containment of the fire.  Overall in Okanogan County, a total of 505,369.13 acres have been burned.  That’s a lot of acres scorched!!

COMMAND

The WA Interagency IMT 5 took command on September 10, 2015, at 06000 hours.  The ICP was formerly at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds but has since moved to the Omak Stampede Fairgrounds.  It is being shared with the ICs from Tunk Block and North Star Fires.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

There have been many personnel from various locations of the State of Washington and from many parts of the United States acting as mutual aid in fire suppression, structure protection, air and communication resources.

The USDA Forest Service, Confederated Tribes of The Colville Reservation, DNR and the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office have worked day in and day out on this fire incident.

RESOURCES

Staffing  levels remain high with 611 personnel assigned to this Complex, including 13 Crews, 36 Engines, 5 Helicopters, 12 Dozers and 17 Water Tenders.

Seven injuries have been reported.  Their conditions are unknown at this time of this post.

EVACUATIONS

On September 11th, the Okanogan County EOC announced Level 3 evacuations were lifted and downgraded to Level 2.  Great news for residents eager to return to their homes, or what may be left standing.

UTILITIES

Word has been announced that the power has been restored to the Omak Mountain residents.  Very good news for all residents.

DEBRIS REMOVAL

September 20, 2015, the Okanogan County Long-Term Recovery Organization will be working in conjunction with the County Solid Waste Department to assist residents with debris removal from fire-affected properties.  If you are one of these residents, you must register with a Room One Disaster Case Manager for eligibility.  You can reach them at 509-923-1979 or 509-997-2050.  This is for all Okanogan County residents.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

There has been 120 residences confirmed either damaged or destroyed.  Business losses are unknown. The County is still tallying up personal and business losses.

The Okanogan County EOC is asking all Landowners affected by the fire to call their Center to report Loss Estimates on primary residences only.  You can reach them by calling Monday-Friday from 8 -5 at 509.422-7348.

Landowners with natural resources or agricultural infrastructure losses need to call the Okanogan Conservation District at 509-422-0855 or visit their website at http://www.okanogancd.org/Fires.

VOLUNTEER HOURS

In order for Agencies, organizations or Cities to receive certain types of funding depends on the resources used during the fire incidents.  One FEMA uses is the number of volunteers and hours spent helping others.

The Okanogan County EOC is tracking these Volunteer Hours.  If you helped during this fire event, they are asking that you email this information to them at em2co.okanogan.wa.us.

HUNTING SEASON INFO

The Washington Department of Fish and  Wildlife can answer any questions regarding hunting in fire-affected areas or any other related questions.  Their phone number is 509-754-4624.  Or you can visit them on their website at WDFW.wa.gov .

SEE SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING.

Call 9-1-1 if you see a fire.  Not reporting them can put lives in jeopardy and if left unattended with spreading can be considered as possibly being negligent.  No one wants to be in trouble with the law, especially if the Fire Department can respond within a timely manner stopping any possible wildfires.  As you know, the area has suffered too many severe losses and, that’s just from the power of lightning!

[c] 2015 The NW Fire Blog