Governor visits Jolly Mountain Fire Headquarters

Governor Jay Inslee was in Cle Elum Tuesday to get an update on the 23, 000 acre Jolly Mountain Creek Fire.  Inslee said he was thankful and pleased with the work of the roughly 700 people fighting this fire and stressed the importance for citizens to listen to warnings.

"We have been pleased that people have responded to the warnings they have received, they have by and large followed the level three evacuation orders.  There are about 900 residents that have had level three evacuation, by and large, that's been followed.  I can't stress how important that is for citizens to help out the authorities to insure their safety" said Inslee.

There have been 40 National Guard called in to assist in fighting the fire and protecting the safety of area residents.  There are 45 fire engine structure protection groups protecting homes threatened by the fire.

Pacific Northwest Team 2 (PNW2) a National Type 1 Incident Management Team has assumed command of the fire.  The transition to a Type 1 team happens when incidents become larger and more complex. The Jolly Mountain Fire is currently one of the top priorities in the northwest.