Leavenworth Town Gets Disaster Assistance

January 9, 2022 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Published Sunday, 1/9/2022, 1340 hours PT

LEAVENWORTH, WA — The Bavarian-themed town has received more than its fair share of snow and is overwhelmed with community requests on snow removal, welfare checks, but they are basically working around the clock to help those in need.

With so much snow, they are having storage issues among other things.

“We are getting creative with snow storage due to the huge amounts of snow we are clearing from the City. I know everyone is dealing with this same issue & we’re doing our best to help.” – City Officials.

For those who still assistance, the City is asking those to go to their site and fill out the request form located here –> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/19c445fe52a6470f917000a5c2e0ca88

Chelan County Public works sent out equipment to also help Cities Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Cashmere, Entiat, and Chelan road districts with clearing snow. The Leavenworth crew were successful in getting nearly every road re-opened. They are tired but feel pumped due to the community’s kind words, appreciation, and support for them.

A parking meter is covered snow. Credit: City of Leavenworth.

The WA National Guard will be showing up on Monday, January 10th with approximately 23 members to help with welfare checks, food distribution, and assisting with shoveling and moving snow that is in the right of way. The City states they will not be able to help rake/shovel roofs.

An emergency declaration was issued on Friday, January 7th by the City.

Here are some updates from the City regarding infrastructure and other important information:

SNOW REMOVAL

24-hour/day removal started on Friday, January 7th
Making progress clearing out alleyways, as of Saturday, January 8th
Any remaining alleys will be attended to when daylight arrives today (plowing alleys in the dark is not easy or a good idea since they are so technical and we are conscious of vehicles/sheds/etc), as of January 9th

Yet another surreal snow sighting in the Leavenworth area. Unfortunately the video stopped at 915 am and it was still snowing, but you get the idea. In any case the bridge might be out of action for a while. #wawx pic.twitter.com/qqysQb1KXw
— NWS Spokane (@NWSSpokane) January 6, 2022

OPEN

Library – regular hours
Link Transit up and running with a slightly modified schedule

CLOSED

Leavenworth Recycling Center until further notice due to snow
Mountain Passes

On January 6th, the snow had already started to come down as you can see in this photo and the City had notably released a statement they were down to plow trucks. The city stated they weren’t likely to be back on the road anytime soon so, they were working with the equipment they have in service.

May be an image of 1 person, snow and road — Credit: City of Leavenworth

This storm that occurred in 2022, is said to be compared to be the winter of 1996, but much worse than originally predicted by weather forecasters.

This town received 36 inches of snow under 24 hours and they, along with surrounding communities have been working to dig themselves out, which is taking longer than expected. City officials are asking their communities to be patient with them a little longer as they work on snow removal, welfare checks, and food distribution programs for their residents.

Leavenworth Bomb Threat False

December 30, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

LEAVENWORTH, Washington State

On December 29, 2020, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office/9-1-1 Center “RiverCom” received an anonymous bomb threat from an unknown male caller who stated there was an explosive device in a garbage can in the 800 block of Front Street.

Chelan County deputies arrived quickly on-scene with mutual from the Washington State Patrol Troopers to help clear the area and evacuate all residents/businesses in the downtown corridor of the City. Leavenworth’s local hospital also went into lockdown, while others outside of the area were under a shelter-in-place order.

While evacuations were in motion, several bomb squads were en route from the Moses Lake area and from the west side. After the bomb squads arrived on-scene, they worked methodically to check all areas before calling an all clear. The WSP Bomb Squad was said to have found nothing and turned the area back over to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office around 0200 hours PT on Thursday morning.

Traffic was diverted around US Highway due to roadblocks manned by WSP Troopers. All closures and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. As you can see from the photo above, everything has returned back to normal operations.

There are currently no suspect(s) identified at the time of this post.

This an active and ongoing investigation.

Bomb Threat in Washington State

December 30, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

LEAVENWORTH, Washington State

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office contacted the City of Leavenworth about a bomb threat in the downtown area in a garbage can in the 800 block of Front Street.

All County and City officials are taking this phone threat seriously and are working to track down the caller. Bomb squads are en route or on-scene from Moses Lake and from the west side. The Command Center will be either at the High School or at Chelan County Fire District #3.

There are currently seven Chelan County Deputies and three or more WSP Troopers on-scene. More will soon pouring into area. If you are on the roadway, please pull to the right for emergency vehicles (it is the law).

The downtown corridor was evacuated and all others are strongly encouraged to shelter-in-place. Do not leave your homes/businesses and seek out the police activity in the area. There are roadblocks keeping people out of the area.

Traffic Alert | “On US 2 in between milepost 99 and 101 (Leavenworth), road closure for police activity. Travelers should utilize East Leavenworth Rd. for east-west travel through the area. There is no current estimated time for reopening. From milepost 99 to milepost 101. There is an unknown ETA for reopening.” – WSDOT. Original update 2053 PT.

Traffic Alert | “SR2 closed between ICICLE RD (MP99) and EAST LEAVENWORTH RD (MP100-5). WSP units at the closure points.” – WSP Trooper John Bryant, PIO.

Shelter-In-Place | Cascade Medical Center and all those on the outside of downtown Leavenworth.

ABOUT LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON STATE

Leavenworth has an area of 1.25 square miles which was created in the 1960s with its Tudor style architecture, Bavarian Village type outdoor shops, restaurants, and hotel. Today, the destination is home to just over 1,900 residents with about 24.4% of have German ancestry but thousands visit and play here all year-round.

To learn more about this great little destination, you can visit the Leavenworth, Washington Chamber of Commerce Home | Leavenworth Washington.

#SprombergFire | WA | New!

May 23, 2017 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

NEAR LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON

Incident Summary

A fire broke out an old log yard located on Chumstick Highway at Spromberg Canyon, about 4 miles North of Leavenworth, Washington.

It was said to be contained in the log yard at about 5 acres but then the winds kicked up.

You can imagine what happened after that.

Incident Cooperators

WSDOT, WSP, WA DNR, Chelan Co (also Sheriff Office) Emergency Management, Chelan PUD, Chelan County Fire District #3.

Resources

Resources include 3 helicopters, 5 engines and 2 crews from DNR. Additionally, there are fire crews from Chelan County Fire District #3 assigned.

Fire Mob was approved @ 1645 on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. A Type 3 IMT has been assigned.

Fire Conditions

The wildfire has exploded from the initial 5 acres to over 40 acres with a 0% containment status. The 3-alarm wildfire is both spotting and wind-driven.

Evacuations

Evacuations are approximately 150 homes at this time.

Level 3 (LEAVE NOW) evacuations were conducted by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office 1 mile North and 1 mile South (on both sides of roadway) on Chumstick Highway of Spromberg Road.

Level 1 (FIRE IS IN YOUR AREA) evacuations were conducted by the CCSO’s office from 1 miles South of Spromberg Canyon to Leavenworth. Update | 1840 Hours | Eagle Creek Road just updated to Level 1.

Closures

Eagle Creek and South Sunitsch Canyon Road. Caution: Troopers, Deputies will be manning the road block along with flaggers on the roadway.

Fire Weather

Current weather is clear and sunny with 84* temps and 12% RH. Winds are West-SW at 16 m.p.h. with gusts up to 22 m.p.h. The dew point is at 27. Tonight’s winds are expected to increase from the West at 20-24 m.p.h. with gusts up to 39 m.p.h.

Update | 1848 Hours | DNR reports excessive winds, low fire activity and retardant ordered from Canada. No information on if/when they would ever use the Hawaii Martin Mars tanker. We would imagine this is way too small of a wildfire. Would need to be used on something like the #GateFire that has burned over 150,000 of acres.

Utilities

Spromberg Canyon – Power is out in the area.

Mission Creek – An unrelated power outage has occurred in this area as well.

WA WILDFIRES | By State | August 25, 2015

August 25, 2015 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

WASHINGTON

Carpenter Road Fire: Start 8/14/15 around 200 PDT from unknown cause. 35 mi NW of Spokane, N & E of Carpenter Rd & Mudget Lk Rd. 484 personnel. 37,589 acres with 20% containment.

Chelan Complex: Includes Wolverine Fire: 5 mi E of Chiwawa Valley, near Stehekin. First Creek Fire: Moving along Slide Ridge. Some parts of the fire are 3 miles from Lake Chelan, while others area near the Columbia River are contained. 644 personnel. 88,104 acres. 40% contained.

Announcement: Fire Info Community Meeting. Wed, August 26, 2015, @ 1900 [7pm] PDT at the Plain Community Church located at 12565 Chapel Dr, Leavenworth, WA.

Cougar Creek: Start 8/10/15. Located on lands of Yakama Nationa, WA DNR and USFS. Burning S & W flanks of Mt. Adams. 6 mi NW of Glenwood. 552 personnel. 37,900 acres. 15% containment.

North Star Fire: Start Date 8/13/15. Cause under investigation. 12 miles NE of Nespelem. 539 personnel. 150,000 acres. 5% contained. 2000+ structures threatened.

Upper Skagit Complex: Start 8/10/15. 8 fires: Goodell Fire: 5573 ac. Cat Island: .25 acres. Thursday Fire: 481 acres. No Name 15 Fire: 413 acres. Neve Creek Fire: .1 acre. Rocky Beaver, 141 acres. Snowfield Fire: 37 acres. Klawatti Fire: 10 acres, located near Cascades National Park. Lightning caused. 6655 acres. 179 personnel. 0% contained listed.

WASHINGTON/OREGON BORDER

Grizzly Bear Complex: 20 miles SE of Dayton, WA, burning on Umatilla NF on the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, private lands and lands protected by WADNR. 60, 272 acres. New Fire: Green Ridge Fire. near Little Turkey trail. Started 8/24/15. Bear Ridge Fire: 100 acres. Grouse Flats: in mop-up operations. Notes: 14 miles containment line around the fire. 125 National Guard to arrive on Sunday to assist with mop-up ops. They will be based E of the fire near Flora or Troy, OR. Total personnel is 676 with 59,200 acres total burned and a 5% containment status.

Announcement: The Fire Managers are asking the Public NOT provide food as firefighters are on strict diets and must maintain their high energy levels, their health and to remain in tip top shape. However, if you would like to donate please contact the Wildland Firefighter Foundation or the American Red Cross. – Thank you.

We will add more fires to this list, as time allows.

Thank you for following us this evening and, may you be safe wherever your shift or journey takes you.

[c] The NW Fire Blog

#ChiwaukumComplex Fire – Near Leavenworth, #WA – Update 7/29/14

July 29, 2014 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

Near community of Leavenworth, Washington State a fire burns thousands of acres.

Photo Credit: Daniel O’Connor via Inciweb

Mother Nature Strikes, Causing Fire to Near Iconic Town

Lightning caused a very stubborn fire, refusing to be tapped. It has been a very dangerous, HOT and frustrating fire for Firefighters. The fire started on July 15, 2014, when it was reported around 1300 hours.

Containment Status

It is currently at a 25% containment status.

More Than One Fire Makes This A Super Fire

The Complex Fire is made up of several fires: Duncan, Kelly, Mills Canyon and Chiwaukum Creek Fires, located in the Okanogan-Wentachee National Forest. Together, it has burned 12,377 acres with over 1200 Fire Personnel on the ground including 100 National Guardsmen joining in on the firefight.

The location of the fire is near the communities of Leavenworth, Duncan and North of Klone Peak.

Chiwaukum Creek Fire

Fire is moving slowly down the slope just North of Thomson Creek towards Route 2. Creeping and individual torching is being done eliminating unburned fuels in a controlled fashion. A handline has been built on McCue Ridge using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics, along North line into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Crews remain confident catching all spot fires along Route 2. Helos are dropping water as needed.

Photo Credit: Daniel O’Connor via Inciweb

Kelly Mountain Fire

The Entiat and LaGrange Hotshots have mopped up remaining heat and have since been flown off the incident. It is currently being unstaffed and monitored by aerial resources.

Duncan Fire

Heavy equipment and timber harvesters with masticators along with handcrews are currently thinning out trees and brush along Shady Pass Road [Forest Service Rd 5900] and Entiat Road. There has been some fire activity on the North end on Monday.

Mills Canyon Fire

Firefighters have successfully gained a 95% containment perimeter, which has been reduced down to three Engine crews monitoring the current situation for any flareups or issues. Past infra-red flights indicate there has been little nor heat detected.

Evacuations & Closures

Portions of Route 2

From Coles Corner to Mile Post 99, West of Leavenworth. This is due to increased fire activity and to protect the Public and Firefighters.

InterAgency Cooperators

Many Agencies have come together to form one major Team helping protect Life and Property.

Photo Credit: Daniel O’Connor via Inciweb

We’d like to recognize these Agencies for their tireless efforts, dedication, commitment and compassion for others.

Chelan County Fire Districts 1, 3, 4, 8 & 9
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Personnel
Bureau of Land Management Personnel
Washington State National Guardsmen
American Red Cross
Chelan County Emergency Operations Center
Chelan County Emergency Services Personnel
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office

We know they say they are just doing their jobs, but this is really difficult, HOT and hard work and we’d like to say “Thank You” for the many residents, business owners and those who may not be able to express their gratitude – so we’ll take care of it just for them.

Leavenworth is the Best Place to Visit: Rain, Snow or Fire

Leavenworth businesses are currently open and getting there will be a fun, memorable adventure in addition to the many activities, shops, restaurants and lodging that are so much to explore and visit.

Weather in Leavenworth

Leavenworth is currently reporting 96-degrees with clear skies and will remain in the 60’s this evening with a slight breeze from 10-15 mph.

However, for firefighters – the current temps and wind speed favor Fire Activity. Firefighters are beginning to see some relief but could use rain in the forecast to help stop the spread and dampen the dry conditions they continue to face.

Community Meeting Announcement

A Community Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2014, at 1900 hours at Fire District #8. The Public is invited to attend this meeting located at 2200 Entiat Way, Entiat, Washington. It is being hosted by the Southern Area Incident Management Red Team.

The Agenda will include:

Updates on Duncan, Kelly, Mills Canyon and Chiwaukum Fires.
Correcting damage on private or other lands: DNR, BLM and USFS.
Rehab Status: Mills Canyon.

Photography is the Property of Daniel O’Connor via Inciweb.gov

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