Crews Reinforce Structures and Reduce Fuel Near Bumping Lake

Not a lot of growth over the weekend on the big Wildcat Fire but still no containment.

A BUSY WEEKEND

Wildland Firefighters spent the weekend battling the Wildcat fire near Bumping Lake still at 0% containment. The blaze is now at 7,736 acres. It was 6,696 on Friday.
So why is containment such a challenge? Fire officials say the blaze is tough to access in the rugged roadless terrain that fire officials say could be Firefighters in danger. It's also a challenge because of the dense accumulations of old growth and other drought-stricken fuels that burn hot and fast.

Naches Fire Department

MAJOR TECHNOLOGY IN USE

Fire managers say they've been using technology like advanced mapping tools, fire behavior modeling and weather forecasts to develop ways to deal with with the large flames while protecting crews. A press release from the Wildcat Fire Public Information Officer says early this week Firefighters are working to reinforce protection measures, including maintaining sprinkler systems and extinguishing "residual heat near structures."

PROTECTING HOMES AND PROPERTY

Firefighters are also trying to reduce the amount of fuel to burn while installing more sprinklers around the Goose Prairie and Bumping Lake communities.
Crews are also patrolling along State Route (SR) 410 for any fires from recent lightning strikes. A night shift will continue protecting the critical values at risk along Bumping Lake.

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LEVEL 2 NOTICE STILL STANDS

A Level 2 "Be Ready" evacuation notice remains in place for Goose Prairie and Bumping River Road. State Route 410 remains open, but a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 from the intersection of Bumping Lake Trail #971 to Chinook Pass Trailhead at SR 410 remains closed. Bumping River Road is also closed at the junction with SR 410, but remains open to residents of Goose Prairie.