By Ed LeBlanc, Incident Commander
Current Situation: The Plumtaw Fire is now listed at 91% contained and is showing little heat. The fire management team is releasing resources so that they can aid with any emerging incidents around the geographic area. All roads and trails around the Plumtaw Fire are currently open.
Today marks the final day the Type 3 Incident Management Team will manage the Plumtaw Fire. Control of the fire will be transferred to the Unaweep Wildfire Use Module and a Type 4 Incident Commander. This marks the final daily update for the Plumtaw Fire unless conditions significantly change. Over the course of the summer, the public may see additional smoke from the fire area as interior pockets of fuel may continue to burn.
Additional information, if needed, will be posted on the San Juan National Forest Facebook page and on Inciweb.
Plumtaw Fire Statistics:
Size: 721 acres
Containment: 91%
Total Personnel: 8
Reported: May 17, 2022
Cause: Under investigation
Weather and Fuel Conditions: Weather is warming throughout the week, with a Fire Weather Watch on Friday.
Closures and Advisories: The forest closures related to the Plumtaw have been lifted. Please use caution when in or around a burned area as hazards, such as snags and rolling debris, are still present.
A temporary flight restriction (TFRs) is in effect over the Plumtaw Fire. TFR violations can disrupt aerial firefighting operations and may fore fire managers to ground essential aircraft. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org
As summer begins, it is important to be ready for fire season. Before a wildfire occurs in your area, create defensible space near your house. Remove flammable vegetation and other combustible material near your home. This includes cleaning gutters, roofs, and removing material under decks. There are many other things you can do if you are landscaping your yard or remodeling your home that may add to the safety of your home and the likelihood firefighters will be able to defend it.
For more information and tips about mitigation and landscaping, go to the Wildfire Adapted Partnership website.
Develop an evacuation plan for your family and assemble an emergency supply kit. Include supplies for pets, important documents and medications. Know where you will go in case of a wildfire and have a back-up plan.
Thank you to the public and to our partners for your support and patience during the Plumtaw Incident.
Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place for the San Juan National Forest. See: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices