Single Publication

Easy Fire Update for July 26, 2024  
Incident Commander Lonnie Click  
Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 3   
(541) 861-5808, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov  

Quick Facts  
Size: 410 acres  
Start Date: July 17, 20244  
Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA
Containment: 0%  
Personnel Assigned: 120  
Cause: Lightning  
Resources Assigned:  2 crews     5 engines

CURRENT SITUATION:   The Easy Fire is burning in large dense timber, abundant dead trees, and ground vegetation on extremely steep terrain. Fire activity near State Route 20 has moderated with continued fire activity within the fire footprint on the north and south side of the fire. Firefighters worked with Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on Wednesday and Thursday to clean up debris and fallen trees across the highway. The highway closure is regularly being reassessed, so please be sure to check the WSDOT travel map for any updates throughout the day. 

Yesterday firefighters continued preparation of indirect handlines, tying into natural features like avalanche chutes and previous burn scars. As part of the fireline preparations crews are installing hoselays and sprinkler systems on both the south and north side of the fire. In addition, crews successfully established helispots on the north side of the fire which will provide additional access in case of an emergency.  

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Crews will continue to work with Washington Department of Transportation to clean up fallen trees and debris from the shoulders of State Route 20. Firefighters will also maintain line preparation and falling operations on the north and south side of Easy Fire. Crews are scouting opportunities to conduct strategic firing operations to burn out vegetation between the fire and constructed fireline. Firefighters are also developing an aerial operations plan for structure protection on Mebee Lookout Tower if fire activity necessitates such measures.

WEATHER: Temperatures today will rise slightly with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Humidity is expected to moderate today and through the weekend. Winds will decrease today with a northwest direction around 7 mph. The cooling trend will continue over the weekend along with a reduction in winds.  

CLOSURES: State Route 20 is currently closed due to fire activity and debris on the road. This closure is being reassessed today to see if there are opportunities for partial or full opening of the highway. Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on the highway closure status.  

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. This closure includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

EVACUATIONS:  There are no evacuations in place for the Easy Fire. Anyone recreating in the area should be vigilant about being aware of surroundings and stay out of closed areas. 

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Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM  
Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov