Teanaway Community Forest campgrounds, trails closed due to Jolly Mountain Fire 

Campgrounds and trails in the Teanaway Community Forest were closed as of Thursday, Aug. 31, due to the Jolly Mountain Fire and some residents of the area were evacuated as the fire moved toward the community forest. View an updated closure maphere. 
 
The fire began Aug. 11 following a lightning strike, burning into the northwest corner of the community forest in remote, rugged terrain. The presence of loose rock and insect-killed trees complicated efforts to fight the fire, which was fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures.
 
Firefighters have worked for several weeks to place a fireline north of Teanaway campgrounds and area residences. This fireline builds upon fuel reduction work done this spring in anticipation of the possibility of a wildfire in this area. While contingency plans are also in place, a fire break is designed to stop forward progress on this fire. 
 
The United States Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee Ranger District has been working closely with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on its management of this fire. DNR is providing resource assistance to their effort.
 
For more information see: 
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/5496/
www.facebook.com/jollymountainfireinfo 
@jolly_mountain
jollymountainfireinfo@gmail.com
509-596-2423
 
There will be a. community briefing at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at Walter Strom Middle School in Cle Elum. Jolly Mountain Fire Info will be live streaming the meeting on Facebook and Twitter. 

For further information on USFS road and trail closures contact the Cle Elum Ranger District at 509-852-1100. 
 
The Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management is responsible for evacuations.  Their Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 509-933-8305or www.co.kittitas.wa.us. Kittitas County has an interactive fire evacuations map, which is available at: www.co.kittitas.wa.us
http://kitcogis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=0750e823f65d4df2b0bc04003e33dac6