Updated this morning: (huge increase in acreage since last survey)
#NorsePeakFire Update
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 – Morning Update
Date Started: Aug. 11, 2017
Cause: Lightning
Total acres: 44,799
Containment: 8%
Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0
Injuries to date: 0
Total Personnel: 341
Fire Resources: 6 crews, 22 engines, 2 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, 7 water tenders
FIRE SUMMARY
New infrared imagery shows a substantial increase in acreage for both the Norse Peak and American fires. The Norse Peak Fire crossed the Pacific Crest Trail on Monday and entered the Crystal Mountain area while the American Fire crossed Kettle Creek to its east. No data has been available since then but new numbers show a total of 44,799 acres – up from 17,418 on Sept. 3.
Mt. Baker Snoqualmie personnel engaged the western edge of the Norse Peak Fire southwest of the Greenwater Trailhead and Greenwater Fire Department personnel completed plumbing and installing sprinklers in the Gold Hill Community. Evacuations (listed below) remain in place for much of the Crystal Mountain area. Residents not under evacuation order are asked to remain aware of the fire conditions and monitor incident social media channels and local media outlets. Concerned residents should prepare now in case they are asked to leave.
NORSE PEAK FIRE (43,482 acres): Crews completed work along the 462 Road in the fire’s southwest corner for use as a holding line and will continue work along State Route 410 to the south and southeast. One quarter-acre spot fire south of 410 was detected, contained and mopped up.
The western edge of the Norse Peak Fire continues to threaten structures in several communities in Pierce County and crews are working to get containment.
AMERICAN FIRE (1,320 acres): The fire crossed the American Ridge yesterday and is slowly backing down toward Bumping Lake. Crews were able to establish hose lays and install sprinklers in the Bumping Lake area and will continue efforts today.
CLOSURES: State Route 410 will remain closed from State Route 123 to mile post 89 near Bumping River Road through Saturday. No closures along 123. There is no access to the cabins along 410 west of Bumping River Road or to the facilities along Bumping River Road or at Bumping Lake.
The 1900 Road is closed as are Little Naches and Kaner Flat campgrounds and the Little Naches cabins.
Crystal Mountain Boulevard is closed.
The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Chinook Pass to Snoqualmie Pass.
The latest Forest Closure Order for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Fire is in place for the fire area and complete details can be found at
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices.
The latest Forest Closure Order for Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest is in place and can be found at
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mbs/alerts-notices.
The White River entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park is closed. Updates for the park can be found at
https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm.
EVACUATIONS: In Yakima County, there is a Level 3 Evacuation Order for Goose Prairie along Bumping River Road.
In Pierce County, a Level 3 evacuation has been ordered for the Silver Springs Campground, Silver Creek, Deep Creek, Joke Creek, Alta Community, Pick Handle Basin, Goat Creek, Gold Hill Community and the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort area.