Easy Fire | Friday Fire Update 1 | July 19, 2024

Photo Credit: USFS

On the evening of July 17, 2024, over 800-plus lightning strikes were recorded in the northwest (WA and OR) sparking numerous wildfires.

The EASY FIRE was reported by the WA Department of Transportation, burning about one-half mile from SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) between Granite Creek at Milepost 148 and east of Rainy Pass Trailhead at Milepost 158. This prompted the closure of Highway 20 between this area on the busy section of the roadway but has since been reported by the WSDOT agency.

Today, the fire is said to be about 20 air miles west of Mazama in the Methow Valley in Washington State, which has burned about 300+ acres and remains with a 0% containment status. Fire behavior has been observed as active with group torching, with short crown runs and flanking.

The NW Team 12 (IMT) is managing this incident along with the PIONEER FIRE (this is a separate post) and has a total of 35 fire resources. They are currently sharing fire personnel and equipment/resources with the PIONEER FIRE, located in the Lake Chelan community.

Due to so many incidents in the northwest and across the United States, the National Preparedness level has been escalated to Level 5.

The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts for this wildfire incident alone has topped $80,000.

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