Single Publication

Easy Fire Update for July 29, 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: 528 acres*   
Start Date: July 17, 2024  
Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA
Containment: 0%   
Personnel Assigned: 113   
Cause: Lightning  
Resources Assigned:  3 crews     5 engines
*Acreage estimate is pending updated infrared mapping.

CURRENT SITUATION: Crews continued to improve indirect firelines and set up hoses and sprinklers along the north side of the Easy Fire. Afternoon weather conditions on Sunday allowed firefighters to conduct strategic firing operations with helicopters on the southeast side of the Easy Fire. With the extremely steep terrain, aerial ignitions reduce risk to firefighters on the ground and can be more efficient and effective. The firing operations reduce ground fuels, or vegetation, between the fireline and active fire, reducing fire intensity and improving firefighter ability to stop or slow fire spread.  

State Route 20 remains open to through traffic with a pilot car escorting vehicles through mileposts 148-157 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Expect 30 minutes delays as firefighters continue removing trees and debris from the roadway and conduct full suppression tactics on the Easy Fire. Please do not stop or pull over between mileposts 148-157. With wildfire and firefighting operations still active, the highway may need to close again on short notice. Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on State Route 20.  

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: With the expected rain today, crews will hold off on continued strategic firing operations. Firefighters will further improve indirect firelines on both the north and south side of the Easy Fire working up to the Mt. Hardy ridge. Crews will also work to enhance helicopter landing zones in higher elevation areas of the Easy Fire. Firefighters are currently hiking over 3,400 ft of elevation gain to access areas of the Easy Fire. Constructing higher elevation helicopter landing zones will reduce hazards to firefighters, allowing firefighters to more safely and efficiently access and work along Mt. Hardy ridge. Additional helicopter access also improves safety for firefighters in case of a medical emergency.  

The Easy Fire has a Temporary Flight Restriction in place for all aircrafts not involved in wildfire suppression operations. Do not fly a personal drone over or near the Easy Fire. Any incursions create a safety hazard to fire aircraft and require air operations to stop.  

WEATHER: Temperatures today will in the mid to upper 70s. Sky weather is partly cloudy with occasional light rain and northwest winds 6-10 mph. There is a 60-70% chance of precipitation in the morning turning to steady light rain in the afternoon with about a 10% chance of lightening. Forecasts show precipitation amounting to a 1/10th of an inch of rain.   

CLOSURES: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: Prhttps://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.  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080   
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM  
Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov