Little Giant Fire grows to 142,228 acres; crews respond to new lightning fires

CHELAN — The Little Giant Fire has grown to 142,228 acres and remained 15% contained Sunday as firefighters worked to strengthen containment lines and responded to several new fires sparked by thunderstorms.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the Little Giant and Sisi fires at 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, replacing Northwest Team 12. A virtual community meeting on the fires is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24.

The Little Giant Fire, which started July 15 from lightning, was staffed Sunday by 2,338 personnel, including 79 engines, 44 crews, 87 pieces of heavy equipment, 35 water tenders and six helicopters.

Scattered thunderstorms brought light rain Saturday, but fire officials said the precipitation had little effect on fire behavior. Afternoon winds gusting up to 40 mph increased activity, while helicopters made water drops to slow the fire's spread toward Twin Lakes, Stormy Creek and the area near Maverick Peak.

Crews Sunday were continuing containment line construction from Maverick Saddle south along Forest Service Road 200 toward Burgess Meadow. Firefighters also were protecting structures and improving sprinkler systems, while contingency line construction continued along Pole Ridge and near Little Chumstick, including Forest Service Road 6106 and connecting spur roads.

In the Entiat drainage, firefighters continued to hold the fire at Tyee Ridge Road, where officials said it had remained within its footprint for several days. Crews were patrolling for hot spots and conducting mop-up around structures in the Entiat Valley as far as Cottonwood Guard Station.

Hand crews also continued direct firefighting in Gene Creek toward Stormy Creek and were improving hand and dozer lines extending to Baldy Mountain.

Saturday's thunderstorms sparked several additional fires north of Chelan. Firefighters assigned to the Little Giant Fire and local agencies responded to the 0.5-acre Cooper Fire, a single-tree fire called the Antillon Fire and the 12-acre Kinsey Fire. Officials reported that firefighters quickly stopped the spread of all three fires. Ground and air resources remained available Sunday for additional initial-attack responses.

The nearby Sisi Fire, about 10 miles northwest of Stehekin, was reported at 800 acres Sunday with no containment. The lightning-caused fire began Aug. 14.

Thunderstorms and an afternoon weather front increased activity on the Sisi Fire on Saturday, and a helicopter dropped water throughout the day to slow its spread. Crews Sunday were installing sprinkler systems around structures, clearing vegetation along Stehekin River Road and improving community protection lines around Stehekin.

Fire managers said a full-suppression strategy is in place on the Sisi Fire. Resources considered at risk include historic sites, the Pacific Crest Trail, natural and cultural resources, private land, the Stehekin State Airport, Company Creek Hydro Power Plant and recreation areas.

A Forest Service closure order remains in effect for portions of the Wenatchee River, Entiat and Chelan ranger districts, and a forest-wide campfire ban remains in place. North Cascades National Park also has closed portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, including Agnes Creek Trail, along with other trails and a cross-country zone.

Temporary flight restrictions remain in effect over the fire areas, prohibiting unauthorized drones. Officials also asked people using area lakes and rivers to remain clear of firefighting aircraft collecting water.

Cooler and more humid conditions were expected Sunday as the low-pressure system responsible for the thunderstorms moved east. Afternoon temperatures were forecast from the lower 50s to upper 60s, with temperatures in the upper 40s possible in mountain areas. Relative humidity was expected to reach 50% to 70%. Weak high pressure was forecast to follow Monday.