Florida Firefighters In Washington Forced To Return Home To Battle Irma

Florida fire crews that took command of the Norse Peak Fire were forced to head home to prepare for Hurricane Irma this week.

Fire managers announced that Van Arroyo’s Central Coast Incident Management Team assumed command of the Norse Peak and American fires from the Florida Red Team as that team heads home. They had just made it up here after the long journey to relieve crews that battled the complex of fires for four weeks.

There was some good news today with favorable weather, there was also the arrival of crews from the Washington National Guard to help firefighting efforts. They are in place providing security in and around the fire area and are being used on the line to help bolster the hand crews and engine teams already in place. In addition to ground resources, the Guard is providing helicopter support out of Ellensburg.

With the Norse Peak Fires burning 46,882 acres, crews have fought for 8% containment while still protecting property. Fire managers made plans to set up sprinklers around property earlier in the week and yesterday and worked to establish handlines in Goat Creek and Silver Creek areas to provide better structure protection for homes. There are hose lays and sprinkler systems in place and active in and around Crystal Mountain and Gold Hill.

State Route 410 will remain closed from State Route 123 to mile post 89 at Bumping River Road. There are no closures along 123. Bumping River Road is closed. The 1900 Road is closed as are Little Naches and Kaner Flat campgrounds and the Little Naches cabins. Crystal Mountain Boulevard is closed.

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, Goat Creek, Alta Community, Pick Handle Basin, Gold Hill Community and the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort area.