Regional News

Wolverine Creek Wildfire burning northwest of Lucerne


Jul 03, 2015

A 40-acre lightning sparked wildfire is burning in the extremely steep and rocky terrain of Wolverine Creek drainage, a remote area approximately 3 miles northwest of Lucerne. 

The fire is burning in timber and smoke is visible to boaters in the up lake areas of Lake Chelan.  Although visible from the lake, the fire is located in the upper part of a remote drainage with no trail or road access. No structures are threatened or present for several miles.

Rappelling firefighters performed initial attack on the fire earlier this week, but their efforts were limited by the very steep and dangerous terrain.  The rappellers were successful in containing a separate spot fire on nearby Lightning Ridge.

Thornburg Incident Management Type 3 Team is transitioning in today to manage the fire.  Two crews are enroute to the incident and will focus on reducing fuels and strengthening containment lines near Lucerne.  Air support is limited due to terrain features.

“ We expect the fire to become more active over the weekend with predicted high temperatures and strong winds.  Boaters on upper Lake Chelan or in the Lucerne area will be able to see the Wolverine Fire from the lake and smoke may be visible from Stehekin.  Our fire management staff is actively planning the safest, most effective method to manage this fire. “ explained Chelan District  Ranger Kari Grover Wier.

The safety of firefighting personnel and public is of the upmost importance for the Forest Service.  Boaters in the upper reaches of Lake Chelan should be on the alert for any helicopters dipping water out of the lake and keep their distance from operations.

Due to the very high fire danger in Chelan and Kittitas Counties, the Okanogan-Wenachee National Forest banned all campfires in the Chelan, Cle Elum, Entiat, and Wenatchee River Ranger Districts.  Fireworks of any kind are illegal.  


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