Single Publication

Easy Fire Update for August 1, 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: 719 acres
Start Date: July 17, 2024  
Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA
Containment: 0%  
Personnel Assigned: 127  
Cause: Lightning  
Resources Assigned:  5 crews     7 engines

CURRENT SITUATION: Fire activity was moderate yesterday with continued smoldering within the fire area. The fire is burning on extremely steep slopes where burning logs can roll downhill, further spreading the fire downslope. Crews successfully managed one of these burning debris roll outs that occurred about 100 feet above State Route 20 and kept the fire from encroaching closer to the highway. Firefighters successfully implemented helicopter crew transport to the higher elevations of the Easy Fire, minimizing extensive travel times and exposure risk due to fuel and topography. Work continued along the edge of State Route 20 to chip and clear vegetation away from the highway. 

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: As a warming and drying trend builds in the Northwest, fire activity is expected to increase. Crews will continue to use helicopter transport to higher elevation areas on the north side of the Easy Fire. Firefighters will begin preparing the north side of the Easy Fire for potential strategic firing operations from the ridge to the main fire. Firing operations would further secure the fire spread upslope and help prevent additional fire from crossing the ridgeline. Crews will also continue work to bolster handlines in higher elevation areas on both the north and south side of the Easy Fire. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction is 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 and would be a violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

WEATHER: Temperatures today will increase again reaching the low 100s as a warming and drying builds in the Northwest. Forecasts predict mostly sunny skies with some cumulus buildups in the afternoon and generally warmer and drier. Winds will be west to northwest 1-4 mph and increase to 5-10 mph after 9:00 a.m.

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