Jack Creek Fire burns in Alpine Lakes Wilderness

On Sept. 1, the Jack Creek Fire, burning in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, put up a considerable column of smoke, visible from Leavenworth. The fire had been burning for about three weeks sitting dormant before burning into more combustible fuels. 

Low humidity levels and high temperatures also contributed to the fire activity. The fire had grown to 46 acres, spotting across Jack Creek. 

“Fire managers on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest have chosen a ‘monitor’ management strategy to maintain wilderness values. The Jack Creek fire started naturally by lightning and is playing its important role in achieving ecological benefits. Areas surrounding the fire perimeter have previously burned, including a fire footprint from 2008 directly to the east,” according to a Sept. 2 news release. 

Trail closures were in effect in the Jack Creek area for the public and firefighter safety. On Sept. 3, an infrared flight showed the fire had grown to the south in the Van Epps Drainage, significantly east through the 2008 Jack Creek Fire footprint. 

The fire spotted over Jack Ridge into the Eightmile drainage, which prompted immediate evacuations of the campers and day hikers there. Firefighters hiked into Eightmile Lake to assess the fire activity. 

Trail closures included Eightmile Lake no. 1552, Eightmile-Trout Lake Trail no. 1554, Trout Creek Trail no. 1555, Jack Ridge Trail no. 1557, Jack Creek Trail no.1558, Meadow Creek Trail no. 1559, Solomom Creek Trail no. 1593, and Van Epps Trail no. 1594.

“Due to increased fire activity in the Stuart and Eightmile Lake drainages the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a trail and area closure in the Enchantments Permit Area and Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake and Eightmile/Caroline Lake permit zones are closed for public safety,” according to a Sept. 3 news USFS news release. “The Snow Lakes permit zone and Core Enchantments Zone are still open. The closure begins at the top of Aasgard Pass. Wilderness rangers are currently evacuating campers and day hikers from all closed trails.”

On Sept. 4, a community meeting was held at Chelan County Fire District 3. The Jack Creek Fire had burned significantly to the east, spotting over Jack Ridge. The fire is established in the Eightmile and Stuart Lake drainages. 

Water was dropped on the spot fires near Stuart Lake to slow the fire progression and assist in evacuation of the hikers. DNR Helitack inserted personnel to assist Wilderness Rangers with evacuations of Stuart Lake. Several hundred hikers were safely evacuated from Colchuck, Stuart, Eightmile, Caroline and Trout Lake areas. 

“Fire managers will continue monitoring the fire and evaluate the need for point protection of recreation infrastructure. The Jack Creek Fire is accomplishing forest management objectives by providing for firefighter and public safety and maintaining wilderness values,” according to Sept. 4 USFS news release. 

By Sept. 5, the Jack Creek Fire grew to 2,154 acres. The fire moved south up the Jack Creek drainage toward Stuart Pass. 

“Fire activity has been burning at a moderate intensity with surface fire, single tree and group torching, cleaning up understory and promoting diversity. The fire is burning in the right place, at the right time, with the right resources, for the right reason. This approach allows the Jack Creek Fire to play its natural ecological role while maintaining wilderness values,” according to Sept. 5 USFS news release. 

Wenatchee River Ranger District trail crew members, wilderness rangers and stock program lead, assisted district firefighters with the implementation of point protection on recreational features within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 

“Pack animals were utilized to pack in several 65 pound rolls of structure wrap into the wilderness and stage in strategic locations for yesterdays and future point protection activities. Phase one focused on wrapping seven wood Wallowa toilets at Eightmile, Little Eightmile and Stuart Lakes with fire protective wrap. Key wood Wilderness signs were removed to prevent damage.  Wilderness Rangers will complete area and trail closures,” according to Sept. 5 USFS news release. 

At this point, the Jack Creek Fire had been inactive without much growth. The fire activity remained low with creeping and smoldering. 

“The currently management strategy of monitoring while providing point protection, allows Jack Creek Fire to play its natural ecological role while maintaining wilderness values, and help prevent uncharacteristic fires in the future,” according to Sept. 5 USFS news release.  

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.