White River/Irving Peak Fires Over 2,000 Acres

The footprint of the White River and Irving Peak fires is nearly 2,000 acres as of Monday morning, having nearly doubled in size over the past several days.

Ground wetness has kept the White River Fire from spreading, while there's more concern about the growth of the Irving Peak Fire.

Rachel Lipsky with Northwest Team 7 says the fire will likely continue to grow, although it's moving downslope closer to where ground crews can battle it directly.

"Warm and dry weather, especially at the Irving Peak Fire, we're looking for a little bit of an increase in the fire activity there," said Lipsky. "But it's getting to a more accessible place for us to be able to work a little bit closer to the fire."

Until now, both the White River and Irving Peak fires have largely occupied remote areas in steep, wooded terrain that can only be battled through the air.

Ground crews have been clearing roads in case they need to use them for fire lines.

Upcoming actions include completing sprinkler systems at Tall Timbers at the end of White River Road, and continue prep of the 6400 Road system.

They have also assessed over 430 buildings and homes near Lake Wenatchee.

Assessments can require sprinkler systems or clearing brush so fire engines can have easy access to homes.

The fire located roughly 15 miles northwest of Plain were ignited by lightning strikes in August 11.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fires on August 16. The fire currently covers 2,017 acres.

Lipsky says the fires are getting attention on a national level. "We're in a preparedness level three here," Lipsky said. "That's true of several of the other regions throughout the country. But just in terms of how things are prioritized through the national wildfire coordinating group, looks like we're top priority here."

More than 600 personnel are currently assigned to White River and Irving Peak fires.

The air quality impact of smoke from the fire is no longer an issue in the Wenatchee area as five reporting stations in the region (Quincy, Malaga, Wenatchee, Cashmere, Leavenworth) all have good air quality.

Three stations to the east and north of the fires in Chelan, Brewster and Omak have moderate air quality, which is a step below good.

The air quality map of the state of Washington from the state Department of Ecology shows all other reporting stations have good quality.

Air quality in Wenatchee was an issue last Friday when there was a thick haze and the noticeable smell of smoke.