Little Giant Fire grows to 147,537 acres as crews reinforce containment lines

PLAIN — Firefighters continued work Tuesday to reinforce containment lines on the Little Giant Fire, which has grown to 147,537 acres and is 21% contained.

The lightning-caused fire, which started July 15, has 2,146 personnel assigned, including 66 engines, 48 crews, 63 pieces of heavy equipment, 22 water tenders and three helicopters.

Crews Monday night completed a strategic firing operation from Maverick Saddle south along Forest Service Road 200. Firefighters planned to remain in the area Tuesday to reinforce and hold the containment line created during the operation.

On the western perimeter, the fire was holding at Twin Lakes, where aircraft were being used to slow its progression. Northwest of the fire near Chiwawa River Road, crews were preparing existing trail systems for use as an indirect containment line.

Moderate fire activity was reported within established containment lines near Trinity, while the northern perimeter showed minimal growth. Firefighters continued mop-up operations near Lake Chelan.

The Stormy Creek and Baldy Mountain area remained a priority Tuesday. Crews, heavy equipment and aircraft were strengthening an indirect containment line and looking for opportunities to establish additional contingency lines.

The Little Giant Fire is currently the nation's top-priority wildfire, according to an Aug. 25 media advisory. Active-duty U.S. Army soldiers, Washington National Guard members and firefighters from Australia and New Zealand are among those assigned to the incident.

Approximately 240 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord have been supporting wildfire suppression efforts in Washington. The soldiers worked on the Modrite Fire from Aug. 9 through Aug. 19 before moving to the Little Giant Fire on Aug. 20.

Another 139 Washington National Guard and Washington State Guard members are assigned to the Little Giant Fire, along with approximately 70 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand.

A Forest Service closure 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 has also closed portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, including the Agnes Creek Trail, along with other trails and a cross-country zone.

Evacuation levels remain in effect for communities near the fire in Chelan County. Fire officials advised residents to remain prepared for changes as conditions develop. A temporary flight restriction also remains in effect over the fire.

Hotter and drier conditions were forecast Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs reaching the 80s and 90s. Minimum relative humidity was expected to fall to 15% to 30%, with southwest to southeast winds of 8 to 15 mph.

Meanwhile, the Sisi Fire about 10 miles northwest of Stehekin remained at 878 acres with no containment Tuesday. The lightning-caused fire started Aug. 14 and continues to burn in remote, nearly inaccessible terrain on Sisi Ridge.

Officials reported the Sisi Fire had not moved west into the Cabin Creek drainage. Crews planned to use aircraft to slow its spread while continuing indirect suppression work, including installing sprinkler systems around structures, clearing vegetation along Stehekin River Road and improving existing containment lines around Stehekin.

A full-suppression strategy is in place on the Sisi Fire to protect private property, historic sites, the Pacific Crest Trail, natural and cultural resources and infrastructure including the Stehekin State Airport and Company Creek Hydro Power Plant. Visitor and recreation opportunities remain available in the Stehekin Valley, though some services at Stehekin Landing are limited.