Newhalem, WA: Update from Incident Information Services as of August 25th, 2015. Information is current as of 8 am.
The Upper Skagit Complex Fires, located in the North Cascades National Park, north of Marblemount, Washington are now at 5,605 acres between the (8) Eight Fires. Yesterday the eight fires were at 4,342 acres.
The fires are believed to have been started by lightening on August 10th, 2015 and there are currently 176 personnel, including 3 hand crews, 1 helicopter, 6 engines, and 1 water tender on scene.
The Fires have cost an estimated $767,000 to fight .
Residents probably noticed the significant smoke plume that was visible on Monday afternoon.
The smoke plume was the result of the Goodell Fire expanding another 855 acres, with most of the growth on its southwest flank in the Newhalem Creek drainage.
The fire also progressed on its northeast and eastern flanks. With the marine air flow improving smoke conditions, fire managers were able to utilize air resources to more accurately map many of the fires in the complex.
Evacuations are in place for the town of Diablo, North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, and Ross Lake Resort. The smaller fires in the complex are in remote locations and pose no immediate threat to facilities and infrastructure.
Hazardous driving conditions along State Route 20 continue to limit access for firefighters and Seattle City Light crews. As a result of these conditions, SR20 will remain closed from the town of Newhalem to Rainy Pass. There is no estimated time for SR20 opening to traffic.
For the latest information about SR 20 closures, please call the North Cascades Highway Recorded Hotline at 360-707-5055. This will be updated whenever conditions change. Do not call 911 requesting Road Closure information on Highway 20. Save the above phone number into your cell phone and use it instead.
Today, (Aug 25th) firefighters will continue to assess and implement structure protection measures in the towns of Newhalem and Diablo, as well as around the National Park Visitor Center.
Fire engine crews continue implementing hose lays, pumps, sprinkler systems, and removing vegetation to protect infrastructure.
In addition direct suppression efforts continue to keep the fire from moving west of Goodell Creek.
The following campgrounds have all been evacuated and will be closed until further notice:· Goodell Creek Campground· Newhalem Creek Campground· Gorge Lake Campground· Colonial Creek Campground, Perry Creek Campground, Buster Brown Campground, Thunder Point Campground, Hidden Cove Campground
The following trails are closed:· Newhalem Creek Trail, Stetattle Creek Trail, Sourdough Mountain Trail, Ross Dam Trail, Happy Panther Tail, Thunder Point Trail, Fourth of July Trail, Diablo Lake Trail, Thunder Creek Trail, Pyramid Lake Trail, portion of Little Beaver Trail from the Little Beaver Boat Camp to the junction of Big Beaver Trail.
Boat in campsites on Diablo Lake are all closed.
Ross Lake has not been evacuated, but is not accessible to incoming travelers.
Click here for a LIVE video link to the North Cascade Parks Visitor Center Webcam in Newhalem, WA.
Please see our previous updates below for maps and photos of the fires.
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