Single Publication

Easy Fire Update for July 30, 2024 
 Incident Commander Lonnie Click  
Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 3   
(541) 861-5808, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

Quick Facts  
Size: 528 acres*  
Start Date: July 17, 2024  
Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA
Containment: 0%  
Personnel Assigned: 145  
Cause: Lightning  
Resources Assigned:  3 crews     5 engines  
*no updated IR data due to weather conditions

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday brought minimal fire spread and small amounts of precipitation to the Easy Fire. Fire activity remains within the interior of the fire area with mostly smoldering fire and pockets of vegetation burning. The south side of the Easy Fire, crews worked to install and test 55 sprinklers that will support future strategic firing operations. Along the shoulders of State Route 20 firefighters cleaned-up debris and tree material that has rolled down from fire and suppression activity. Additionally, crews worked to improve indirect handlines, tying into the 2004 Mebee burn scar on the north side and avalanche chutes on the south side of the Easy Fire. 

State Route 20 remains open to through traffic with a pilot car escorting vehicles through mileposts 148-157 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Expect 30 minutes delays as firefighters continue removing trees and debris from the roadway and conduct full suppression tactics on the Easy Fire. Please do not stop or pull over between mileposts 148-157. With wildfire and firefighting operations still active, the highway may need to close again on short notice. Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on State Route 20.

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Fire activity is expected to remain moderate today with continued smoldering and pockets of vegetation burning within the fire area. Crews will review progress from Saturday’s strategic firing operations on the southeast side of the Easy Fire to determine potential opportunities for future aerial ignitions to further secure the fire on the ridgeline. Firefighters will evaluate and remove hazards such as standing dead trees along the indirect firelines on the north and south sides of the fire. Crews will continue work to remove debris and tree material from the shoulder of State Route 20. 

The Easy Fire has a Temporary Flight Restriction in place for all aircrafts not involved in wildfire suppression operations. Do not fly a personal drone over or near the Easy Fire. Any incursions create a safety hazard to fire aircraft and require air operations to stop.

WEATHER: Temperatures today will increase to low to mid 80s. Sky weather is mostly cloudy with light rain in the morning and partly sunny conditions in the afternoon. Winds will be northwest 2-6 mph in the morning and increase to 8-10 mph in the afternoon. 

CLOSURES: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. This closure includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

EVACUATIONS:  There are no evacuations in place for the Easy Fire. Anyone recreating in the area should be vigilant of surroundings and stay out of closed areas. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080   
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM  
Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov