Ardenvoir advisory downgraded on Sugarloaf fire

Display of sun, smoke and clouds above the Lower Sugarloaf Fire, west of Entiat, Sept. 8. Photo courtesy: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Making headway in the most susceptible areas of the Sugarloaf wilderness fire, evacuation advisories have been downgraded in the Ardenvoir area, along the Entiat River.

"The fire behavior and knowing how it moves, we've been focused down in these valleys at risk and getting enough resources into place," said Incident Commander James Osborne at a community fire update Tuesday night in Entiat. "As of this morning this fire is number one at the top of the SIT (Situation) report, and that's all based on the values at risk and a national system that prioritizes incidents."

While trimming down the advisories for residents in the area to a ‘get ready’ status, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison addressed the law enforcement response in the area.

"We still have deputies that are up manning the roadblocks," the Sheriff reminded those in attendance at the meeting. "We have deputies that live up the Entiat. We have citizens that are clearly vigilante watching out for their neighbors as well. We're not aware of any incidents where any property has been stolen. If you see something, say something."

Sheriff Morrrison said he is in conversation with the Chelan County Commissioners on possibly requesting a federal emergency declaration, which would open up further resources.

The fire continues to creep along in timber and brush.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Supervisor Tara Umphries is appreciative of the 24-7 firefighting effort, "Balancing not only their risk and safety and the values at hand, and the opportunities we have to contain these fires."

Cooler weather and increased humidity is "Kinda holding it up a little bit, and out in the open where it's exposed to a little bit more of the moisture, that (the fire) has not been burning very active<" Operations Section Chief Nathan Goodrich said. "But under the timber canopy, just due to the drought conditions and how dry everything is, that is still progressing and backing down the hill, we are getting fire spread in heavier timber out to the southeast."

The latest information on the Sugarloaf fire can be found here on the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page.