Lines Strengthening on Twentyfive Mile Fire

Crews on the Twentyfive Mile Fire west of Chelan had a good 'transition day' Thursday as a Type 1 Incident Management Team finished taking over control of the fire, and it's been more of the same Friday.

Commander Randy Johnson said the eastern and northern flanks of the fire are largely in mop-up, with plumbing in place to further protect residences. Burnout operations are underway on the northwestern part of the fire line to broaden the defensive perimeter.

Most of the activity has been on the southwestern edge of the blaze.

"It's targets of opportunity. It's where we see alignments starting to happen." explained Johnson, "We've got clean air. We can fly and take some of the heat out of (the southwestern flank) and just check-and-hold until we are in more of a place to do our own burnout."

The fire is over 14,500 acres and is 37% contained. An estimated 408 fire personnel are working the blaze.

Crews have been warned over increased visitors and traffic to the area over Labor Day Weekend. Boaters are reminded to stay out of the way of any air resources needing to collect water.