Photo: Inciweb.com
Newhalem, WA- The Upper Skagit Complex Fires have grown overnight to 7,832 acres between the eight active wildfires in the complex.
The Goodell Fire, near Newhalem is currently at 6,716 acres. As of yesterday the Goodell Fire was at 6,359 acres and is considered 37% contained.
There are a total of 205 personnel on scene, including 3 hand crews, 2 helicopters, 17 engines, and 1 water tender.
The Estimated Incident Cost to Date: is $1.2 Million Dollars.
The strong inversion that was over the fires the last two days has kept fire spread minimal, but it lifted Thursday afternoon. This resulted in the Goodell Fire advancing slowly toward the southwest, remaining south of the Skagit River.
North of State Route 20 the west flank was held at the Goodell Creek.
The Goodell Fire’s Eastern side continued to advance slowly on both sides of State Route 20 and Gorge Lake.
Structure protection of pumps, hose lays, sprinkler systems, and vegetation removal in Diablo and the Environmental Learning Center have been completed.
The Diablo area, Environmental Learning System, and Ross Lake Resort remain evacuated. Lifting of the smoke layer allowed fire managers to utilize aircraft to map and monitor many of the other fires in the complex. While many of the other fires in the complex increased in size, they are in remote locations and are not an immediate threat to facilities.
Today, Firefighters will remain in place to insure protection measures around Newhalem and national park facilities hold. While the direct threat from fire is mitigated for those facilities, firefighters are assessing damaged trees around the structures and falling those that could fall and damage infrastructure. Direct suppression actions will continue in Goodell Creek to keep the fire from moving west, north of State Route 20.
State Route 20 remains closed from the North Cascades National Park Complex entrance sign, approximately 5 miles north of Marblemount, to Rainy Pass due to hazardous driving conditions. For updated information on SR20, please contact 360-707-5055.
Please see our previous updates below for maps and photos of the fires.
Be the first to comment on "August 28th “Upper Skagit Complex Fire Update"