Local News

FIREWORKS SUSPECTED CAUSE OF BOULDER CREEK FIRE

Jul 05, 2016

U.S. Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources crews responded to a fire call late Saturday about 7 miles north of Winthrop along the Chewuch River at Boulder Creek.

With the help of helicopters with buckets and two small air tankers, firefighters were able to contain the fire to about 5 acres. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but fireworks are the suspected source of ignition.

District Ranger Mike Liu again noted: “Fireworks or any other pyrotechnic devices of any kind are illegal year round on all national forests.”

In addition, an unmanned aircraft (drone) was seen flying in the area. Fire managers remind visitors that the airspace around active fires is closed to all non-fire aircraft including unmanned craft of any kind. If needed for safety, incident managers will ground aircraft until the risk is removed.

Smokejumpers, rappellers, and hand crews along with rotor and fixed-wing aircraft will continue control operations. Anyone who notices a fire anywhere in the valley, or notices activity that seems suspicious is urged to report it by calling 911 and provide as much detail as possible so crews can respond appropriately.