Single Publication

Kachess Complex Fire Update

August 13th, 2024

Reported date: August 9th &10th, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Total complex size: 40 acres

Personnel: Approximately 100

Fuels: Timber, timber litter, timber understory

Strategy: Full Suppression

Fire behavior: Smoldering, creeping, flanking

CLE ELUM, Washington: The Kachess Complex consists of three lightning caused fires that ignited the area between August 9th and August 10th, 2024, on the Cle Elum Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Firefighters were quick to respond to the remote areas and with the help of aerial resources, were able to begin suppression efforts on August 10th, 2024. On August 13th, the Albuquerque Zone Incident Management Team assumed command of the complex to support firefighter safety, suppression, and logistics. 

The Kachess Complex Includes:

• Stave Creek Fire: Currently 20-25 acres and 0% contained located on steep and rugged terrain. Firefighters are working to build fire line on the eastern flank and assessing options for direct or indirect tactics on the northwestern flank. Aircraft are assisting firefighters with aerial water bucket drops on the western flank to limit growth.
• Thomas Fire: Currently 10 acres and 20% contained. Firefighters made excellent progress the last 48 hours and have constructed fire line around the entire perimeter. They are working on securing the fires edge to limit additional forward progression.
• Waptus: Currently ½ acre and 100% contained. Firefighters have completed line construction and are continuing mop up operations today. The fire is also located in the vicinity of the Cherry Garcia fire which is also 100% contained and out. 

Message from the Incident Commander, Lino Baca: “We are dedicated to fostering, upholding, and continuously improving our relationships with incident partners. Our success is measured by reaching our goals safely, reducing firefighter exposure, and gaining robust support from stakeholders. Our path to success is guided by our core values of duty, respect, and integrity.”

Location: On the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest northwest of Cle Elum. The Stave Creek and Thomas fires are between Kachess and Cle Elum Lake. The Waptus and Cherry Garcia fires are further north in the wilderness near Waptus Lake. 

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the top priority. Members of the public should avoid the Kachess Complex area. A TFR (temporary flight restriction) is in effect around the fire until August 25th unless otherwise noted. Unmanned aircraft such as drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”. Temporary flight restriction: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6471.html 

Closures: There are no closures in place for the Kachess Complex, however, the public is reminded that fire restrictions are in effect on the Cle Elum Ranger District. For additional information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600. 

Smoke: Minimal smoke may be visible from the towns of Cle Elum, Roslyn, Easton, and Snoqualmie Pass area. Information on air quality can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/ .