Conditions improve on Jolly Mtn. Fire

The Jolly Mountain Fire has slowed enough that the daily updates from supervisors have been suspended on the approximately 37,000  acre fire northwest of Cle Elum. Fire information officer Brian Lawatch credits an effective fire management plan and burnout operations that have significantly reduced the threat to the community.  Mop up and repair or rehabilitation of the land is underway as well

Cooler weather with rain has also factored into the decision.  Command of the fire was transferred Monday to a local Type 3 team led by Incident Commander Tom Roach but several supervisors from the previous Type 2 Management Team will transition with the new team.

Residences in the Salmon La Sac HOA area, Paris Creek area and Boulder Creek area on Forest Service Road 4330 (Fish Lake Road) will remain at a Level 3 notice but Lawatch says those restrictions could be lifted soon.

The fire is 40% contained and was started by lightening Aug. 11th.