2014 Washington wildfires: Difference between revisions
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| location = Northern and central [[Washington (state)|Washington]] state |
| location = Northern and central [[Washington (state)|Washington]] state |
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| date = {{Start date|2014|07|08}} |
| date = {{Start date|2014|07|08}} |
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| area = {{convert|350000|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=3}} |
| area = {{convert|350000|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=3}} |
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| source = under investigation, [[ |
| source = under investigation, [[lightning]] |
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| landuse = Forest, grassland, rural, urban |
| landuse = Forest, grassland, rural, urban |
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The '''2014 Washington state wildfires''' |
The '''2014 Washington state wildfires''' were a large number of [[wildfire]]s, primarily occurring on the east side of the [[Cascade Range]] in [[Chelan County, Washington|Chelan]] and [[Okanogan County, Washington|Okanogan]] counties. The fires burned private land, state land, and within the [[Okanogan National Forest|Okanogan]] and [[Wenatchee National Forest]]s, ultimately covering over {{convert|350000|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}} acres. The first fire began on July 8 near the [[Entiat River]]. On July 14 a [[lightning]] storm started dozens more fires across the eastern [[Cascade Range]].<ref name=inciweb_mills/> [[List of Governors of Washington|Governor]] [[Jay Inslee]] declared a [[state of emergency]], activating the [[Washington National Guard]].<ref name=leavenworth_7_17/> More lightning strikes later in the summer started additional fires. |
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==Mills Canyon Fire== |
==Mills Canyon Fire== |
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The Mills Canyon Fire |
The Mills Canyon Fire burned {{convert|22571|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=3}}, all within Chelan County. The fire was located south of the Entiat River and west of [[U.S. Route 97 in Washington|Highway 97A]] and the [[Columbia River]] in the [[Entiat Mountains]]. It started on July 8 and the cause is under investigation.<ref name=inciweb_mills/> |
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==July 14 lightning-strike fires== |
==July 14 lightning-strike fires== |
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===Carlton Complex=== |
===Carlton Complex=== |
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[[File:Carlton complex scar IR 2014-212.jpg|thumb|right|Carlton complex fire scar in false-color infrared, July 31, 2014. Burned vegetation appears red, and the most severely burned areas are generally the darkest. Unburned forests appear dark green. Actively growing farmland is bright green; unburned grasslands and brushlands are tan; and rivers are navy blue. Scale bar at lower left is 5km (3 mi.)]] |
[[File:Carlton complex scar IR 2014-212.jpg|thumb|right|Carlton complex fire scar in false-color infrared, July 31, 2014. Burned vegetation appears red, and the most severely burned areas are generally the darkest. Unburned forests appear dark green. Actively growing farmland is bright green; unburned grasslands and brushlands are tan; and rivers are navy blue. Scale bar at lower left is 5km (3 mi.)]] |
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The Carlton Complex, covering {{convert|256108|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=4}} |
The Carlton Complex, covering {{convert|256108|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=4}}, began as four separate lightning-caused fires on July 14 in the [[Methow River]] valley of Okanogan County: the Cougar Flat, French Creek, Gold Hike, and Stokes fires. These fires merged and rapidly spread southeast on July 17, burning approximately 300 homes in and around the towns of [[Pateros, Washington|Pateros]] and [[Malott, Washington|Malott]] as well as in more rural areas.<ref name=seattletimes_7_25/> The communities of [[Brewster, Washington|Brewster]], [[Carlton, Washington|Carlton]], and [[Methow, Washington|Methow]] were also threatened by fire. Power was lost to the communities of [[Twisp, Washington|Twisp]] and [[Winthrop, Washington|Winthrop]]. Road closures included [[Washington State Route 20]] east of Twisp towards [[Loup Loup Pass]], [[Washington State Route 153]] between Twisp and Pateros, and [[U.S. Route 97 in Washington|U.S. Route 97]] between Pateros and Brewster.<ref name=ap_damage/><ref name=inciweb_carlton/> Rain slowed the fire on July 24, allowing crews to reach 60% containment by July 26.<ref name=seattletimes_7_26/> A new fire started along Highway 20 south of Winthrop on August 1.<ref name=inciweb_carlton/> |
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The Carlton Complex |
The Carlton Complex was the largest wildfire in Washington state's recorded history, surpassing the 1902 [[Yacolt Burn]].<ref name=seattletimes_7_21/> One death, caused by a heart attack, has been blamed on the fire.<ref name=seattletimes_7_21/> [[Wildfire suppression|Fire fighting]] efforts included nearly 3,000 personnel and numerous aircraft, including seven [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60 Black Hawk]] helicopters from the Washington National Guard and a [[DC-10 Air Tanker]].<ref name=seattletimes_7_26/> |
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===Chiwaukum Creek Fire=== |
===Chiwaukum Creek Fire=== |
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Located northwest of [[Leavenworth, Washington|Leavenworth]] in the [[Chiwaukum Mountains]], this fire |
Located northwest of [[Leavenworth, Washington|Leavenworth]] in the [[Chiwaukum Mountains]], this fire burned {{convert|13895|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=3}}. It required the closure of [[U.S. Route 2 in Washington|Highway 2]] and the evacuation of nearly 900 homes, threatening the communities of [[Coles Corner, Washington|Coles Corner]], [[Winton, Washington|Winton]], and [[Plain, Washington|Plain]].<ref name=inciweb_chiwaukum/><ref name=ap_damage/> A [[pyrocumulus cloud]] could be seen rising above the fire from as far away as [[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]].<ref name=leavenworth_7_17/> Part of the Chiwaukum Creek Fire burned within the northeastern boundary of the [[Alpine Lakes Wilderness]]. |
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===Duncan Fire=== |
===Duncan Fire=== |
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Covering {{convert|12659|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}, the Duncan Fire |
Covering {{convert|12659|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}, the Duncan Fire was located in the upper Entiat River drainage. It began on a ridge between the Entiat River and the North Fork Entiat River, eventually spreading east across the North Fork.<ref name=mills_update_7_19/><ref name=inciweb_chiwaukum/><ref name=inciweb_duncan/> |
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===Kelly Mountain Fire=== |
===Kelly Mountain Fire=== |
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Located in the Entiat Mountains near Tommy Creek, the Kelly Mountain Fire |
Located in the Entiat Mountains near Tommy Creek, the Kelly Mountain Fire burned {{convert|124|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=1}}.<ref name=inciweb_chiwaukum/> |
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===Lone Mountain Fire=== |
===Lone Mountain Fire=== |
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Located in the Boulder Creek drainage northeast of [[Stehekin, Washington|Stehekin]], the Lone Mountain Fire burned {{convert|2770|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}. It was within the [[Lake Chelan National Recreation Area]], part of the [[North Cascades National Park Complex]].<ref name=noca_lone_mountain/><ref name=inciweb_lone/> |
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==August 2 lightning-strike fires== |
==August 2 lightning-strike fires== |
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*Devil's Elbow Complex - {{convert|26349|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=1}}. This complex |
*Devil's Elbow Complex - {{convert|26349|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=1}}. This complex was made up of four fires on the [[Colville Indian Reservation]] north of [[Keller, Washington]] in [[Ferry County, Washington|Ferry County]]. The fires required closing [[Washington State Route 21|Highway 21]].<ref name=inciweb_devils/> |
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*Hansel Fire - {{convert|1016|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=1}}. The Hansel Fire |
*Hansel Fire - {{convert|1016|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=1}}. The Hansel Fire burned near Ingalls Creek and Highway 97 in Chelan County.<ref name=inciweb_chiwaukum/> |
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*Little Bridge Creek Fire - {{convert|4896|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}. Located between the [[Twisp River]] and Highway 20 in Okanogan County.<ref name=inciweb_bridge/> |
*Little Bridge Creek Fire - {{convert|4896|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}. Located between the [[Twisp River]] and Highway 20 in Okanogan County.<ref name=inciweb_bridge/> |
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*Shoofly Fire - {{convert|160|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}} in the upper drainage of the [[Little Wenatchee River]] in Chelan County.<ref name=inciweb_chiwaukum/> |
*Shoofly Fire - {{convert|160|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}} in the upper drainage of the [[Little Wenatchee River]] in Chelan County.<ref name=inciweb_chiwaukum/> |
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*Snag Canyon Fire - {{convert|12667|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}. Located north of [[Ellensburg, Washington|Ellensburg]] in [[Kittitas County, Washington|Kittitas County]], the Snag Canyon Fire |
*Snag Canyon Fire - {{convert|12667|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}. Located north of [[Ellensburg, Washington|Ellensburg]] in [[Kittitas County, Washington|Kittitas County]], the Snag Canyon Fire burned six homes.<ref name=inciweb_snag/><ref name=yakimaherald_8_3/> |
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*Upper Falls Fire - {{convert|8118|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}. This fire |
*Upper Falls Fire - {{convert|8118|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}. This fire burned in the Okanogan National Forest west of the [[Chewuch River]].<ref name=inciweb_falls/> |
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==South Cle Elum Ridge Fire== |
==South Cle Elum Ridge Fire== |
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This fire was reported on August 7 on the Wenatchee National Forest southwest of [[Cle Elum, Washington|Cle Elum]] in Kittitas County and |
This fire was reported on August 7 on the Wenatchee National Forest southwest of [[Cle Elum, Washington|Cle Elum]] in Kittitas County and burned {{convert|894|acre|sqmi km2|sigfig=2}}.<ref name=inciweb_cle_elum/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 17:10, 15 November 2014
| 2014 Washington state wildfires | |
|---|---|
 The Carlton Complex on July 21, 2014 | |
| Date(s) | July 8, 2014 |
| Location | Northern and central Washington state |
| Statistics | |
| Burned area | 350,000 acres (547 sq mi; 1,420 km2) |
| Land use | Forest, grassland, rural, urban |
| Impacts | |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Structures destroyed | 300 |
The 2014 Washington state wildfires were a large number of wildfires, primarily occurring on the east side of the Cascade Range in Chelan and Okanogan counties. The fires burned private land, state land, and within the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests, ultimately covering over 350,000 acres (550 sq mi; 1,400 km2) acres. The first fire began on July 8 near the Entiat River. On July 14 a lightning storm started dozens more fires across the eastern Cascade Range.[1] Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency, activating the Washington National Guard.[2] More lightning strikes later in the summer started additional fires.
Mills Canyon Fire
The Mills Canyon Fire burned 22,571 acres (35.3 sq mi; 91.3 km2), all within Chelan County. The fire was located south of the Entiat River and west of Highway 97A and the Columbia River in the Entiat Mountains. It started on July 8 and the cause is under investigation.[1]
July 14 lightning-strike fires
A number of fires were started by lightning strikes on July 14.
Carlton Complex
The Carlton Complex, covering 256,108 acres (400.2 sq mi; 1,036 km2), began as four separate lightning-caused fires on July 14 in the Methow River valley of Okanogan County: the Cougar Flat, French Creek, Gold Hike, and Stokes fires. These fires merged and rapidly spread southeast on July 17, burning approximately 300 homes in and around the towns of Pateros and Malott as well as in more rural areas.[3] The communities of Brewster, Carlton, and Methow were also threatened by fire. Power was lost to the communities of Twisp and Winthrop. Road closures included Washington State Route 20 east of Twisp towards Loup Loup Pass, Washington State Route 153 between Twisp and Pateros, and U.S. Route 97 between Pateros and Brewster.[4][5] Rain slowed the fire on July 24, allowing crews to reach 60% containment by July 26.[6] A new fire started along Highway 20 south of Winthrop on August 1.[5]
The Carlton Complex was the largest wildfire in Washington state's recorded history, surpassing the 1902 Yacolt Burn.[7] One death, caused by a heart attack, has been blamed on the fire.[7] Fire fighting efforts included nearly 3,000 personnel and numerous aircraft, including seven UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Washington National Guard and a DC-10 Air Tanker.[6]
Chiwaukum Creek Fire
Located northwest of Leavenworth in the Chiwaukum Mountains, this fire burned 13,895 acres (21.7 sq mi; 56.2 km2). It required the closure of Highway 2 and the evacuation of nearly 900 homes, threatening the communities of Coles Corner, Winton, and Plain.[8][4] A pyrocumulus cloud could be seen rising above the fire from as far away as Seattle.[2] Part of the Chiwaukum Creek Fire burned within the northeastern boundary of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Duncan Fire
Covering 12,659 acres (20 sq mi; 51 km2), the Duncan Fire was located in the upper Entiat River drainage. It began on a ridge between the Entiat River and the North Fork Entiat River, eventually spreading east across the North Fork.[9][8][10]
Kelly Mountain Fire
Located in the Entiat Mountains near Tommy Creek, the Kelly Mountain Fire burned 124 acres (0.2 sq mi; 0.5 km2).[8]
Lone Mountain Fire
Located in the Boulder Creek drainage northeast of Stehekin, the Lone Mountain Fire burned 2,770 acres (4.3 sq mi; 11 km2). It was within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, part of the North Cascades National Park Complex.[11][12]
August 2 lightning-strike fires
- Devil's Elbow Complex - 26,349 acres (40 sq mi; 100 km2). This complex was made up of four fires on the Colville Indian Reservation north of Keller, Washington in Ferry County. The fires required closing Highway 21.[13]
- Hansel Fire - 1,016 acres (2 sq mi; 4 km2). The Hansel Fire burned near Ingalls Creek and Highway 97 in Chelan County.[8]
- Little Bridge Creek Fire - 4,896 acres (7.6 sq mi; 20 km2). Located between the Twisp River and Highway 20 in Okanogan County.[14]
- Shoofly Fire - 160 acres (0.25 sq mi; 0.65 km2) in the upper drainage of the Little Wenatchee River in Chelan County.[8]
- Snag Canyon Fire - 12,667 acres (20 sq mi; 51 km2). Located north of Ellensburg in Kittitas County, the Snag Canyon Fire burned six homes.[15][16]
- Upper Falls Fire - 8,118 acres (13 sq mi; 33 km2). This fire burned in the Okanogan National Forest west of the Chewuch River.[17]
South Cle Elum Ridge Fire
This fire was reported on August 7 on the Wenatchee National Forest southwest of Cle Elum in Kittitas County and burned 894 acres (1.4 sq mi; 3.6 km2).[18]
References
- ^ a b "Mills Canyon Fire". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- ^ a b "Wildfire near Leavenworth closes stretch of Highway 2". Seattle Times and wire services. YakimaHerald.com. 2014-07-17. Archived from the original on 2014-07-19.
- ^ "Homes destroyed by wildfire total 300, Okanogan sheriff says". The Associated Press. The Seattle Times. 2014-07-25. Archived from the original on 2014-07-27.
- ^ a b Geranios, Nicholas K.; Johnson, Gene (2014-07-19). "Damage from Washington Wildfires 'Hard to Believe'". The Associated Press. Boston.com. Archived from the original on 2014-07-19.
- ^ a b "Carlton Complex". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
- ^ a b "Crews plan controlled burn near Carlton complex wildfire". The Seattle Times. 2014-07-26. Archived from the original on 2014-07-27.
- ^ a b O'Sullivan, Joseph (2014-07-21). "Firefighting crews hunker down for long haul". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 2014-07-21.
- ^ a b c d e "Chiwaukum Complex". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
- ^ "Fire Update for Mills Canyon, Chiwaukum, Kelly MT n, & Duncan Fires". InciWeb: Incident Information System. 2014-07-19. Archived from the original on 2014-07-19.
- ^ "Duncan Fire". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- ^ "Lone Mountain Fire Update—July 21st a.m." North Cascades National Park, U.S. National Park Service. 21 July 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Lone Mountain 1 Fire". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
- ^ "Devil's Elbow Complex". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
- ^ "Little Bridge Creek Fire". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
- ^ "Snag Canyon Fire". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
- ^ Rosbach, Molly (2014-08-03). "Snag Canyon fire destroys 6 homes; area reduced to 1,830 acres". Yakima Herald-Republic. Archived from the original on 2014-08-03.
- ^ "Upper Falls Fire". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
- ^ "South Cle Elum Ridge Fire". InciWeb: Incident Information System. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
Further reading
- Welch, Craig (2014-07-18). "Lightning, wind and high, dry grass: a recipe for conflagration". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 2014-07-19.