2013 Leavenworth Forest Fires | Eagle Creek Fire
Follow this link if you are looking for information about Leavenworth Forest Fires in 2014
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Forest fires are an unfortunate part of life on among the Ponderosa Pine forests east of the Cascades. This year the Wenatchee Valley has seen some big fires in the Colockum and Malaga areas south of Wenatchee and a small but destructive fire along the shores of Lake Wenatchee earlier this year. (Unfortunately a few cabins did burn down in these earlier 2013 Leavenworth forest fires – click here for details. )
We have a lot of clients and friends who live outside the area so we thought it would be good to put together a short report on the 2013 Leavenworth forest fires.
As I write this, the Eagle Fire is burning in Leavenworth’s Eagle Creek drainage near Bjork and Van Creeks. As of this morning, the fire is approximately 1500 acres in size.
Eagle Creek road is now closed to traffic and evacuation notices are in place. Firefighting resources fighting these fires include over 300 firefighters – 9 hand crews, 5 helicopters, including one heavy helicopter used for dipping water. Other resources being used are two dozers and 9 engines.
The Wenatchee World (as well as KOHO radio) is a great source for news about this fire.
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/aug/21/too-close-for-comfort/
The most updated info can be found on the government website Inciweb. It has information about all the active fires in the United States and allows you to search by state and even by National Forest or Park. The direct link to the Eagle Creek fire can be found here: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3685/
This site will provide info about closures, evacuation levels and the times and locations of public meetings and of shelters for those who have left their homes.
As of today, August 21:
Evacuation levels:
According to Chelan County Sherriff Brian Burnett, there are currently 30 residences or structures along Eagle Creek Road under Level 3 Evacuation. A further 35 structures are under Level 1 or 2 Evacuation. There are a further 600 residences in the adjacent Chumstick drainage.
Level 1: This is an initial notification in person to inform the residents of the situation, and the process which may follow.
Level 2: At this point we request people consider leaving the area, or be ready to leave at a moment’s notice due to the high possibility of the fire reaching the area. Access back into the area may be limited at this point.
Level 3: The fire is in the area, people are to leave immediately. Access to the area is restricted.
Looking for ways to help fire victims?
Other than staying out of the way of firefighters, donating to the local Red Cross is the best way to help. Here is the info for the local Red Cross Chapter
