Regional News

Diamond Creek Fire Update

Jul 24, 2017

Diamond Creek Fire remains about 100 acres this morning. The fire is burning in the steep slopes of the Diamond Creek drainage, east of where it intersects with Lost River. It is about four air miles from the Billy Goat Trailhead.

Eight smokejumpers have been deployed from the North Cascades Smokejumper Base and are being supported by helicopters. Additional handcrews have been ordered to support the confine and contain suppression strategy.

Diamond Creek Fire is suspected to be human caused, as there was no lightning detected for the area. It was first noticed Saturday night by a hiker who then made his way to a ridgetop to report it on Sunday morning.

This morning, fire behavior is moderate and the fie is burning in heavy accumulations of dead and down trees in a spruce and fir forest where the tree tops are close together, or touching (closed canopy). Winds that pushed fire growth yesterday are expected again this afternoon as are similar high temperatures and low humidity.

“While smoke from the Diamond Creek Fire was visible around the County yesterday afternoon, the fire is well within the Pasayten Wilderness,” noted Methow Valley District Ranger Mike Liu. “At this time, it does not pose a threat to area residents or communities.”

Helicopters currently supporting the Diamond Creek Fire are operating out of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base.

Closures: The following closures are in place to provide for public and firefighter safety. Yesterday, Forest personnel began hiking the trails to notify groups and individuals about the fire and associated closures and to provide alternate routes as needed.

Billy Goat Trailhead
Hidden Lakes Trail (#477)
Larch Creek Trail (#502) from the trailhead to McCall Trail (#548)
Drake Trail (#502B)
Burch Mt. Trail (#502A)
Dollarwatch Trail (#451)