image: NASA's Aqua satellite collected this natural-color image with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, MODIS, instrument on July 10, 2014. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red. view more
Credit: NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz LANCE/EOSDIS MODIS Rapid Response Team, GSFC. Caption by Lynn Jenner with information from <a href="http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/">http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/</a>.
The Mills Canyon fire started near the City of Entiat on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Despite the efforts of local resources, the fire quickly grew to over 1,000 acres by evening. Three outbuildings were damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The fire team is working with existing local resources in developing fire control strategies and tactics. Other cooperators include the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Washington State Department of Natural Resources, (WA DNR), Bureau of Land Management, Chelan County Emergency Management, and Chelan County Fire District 8. The Chelan County Sheriff's office is providing assistance with evacuations and road closures.
As of the afternoon of July 10, the fire was estimated at 18,065 acres. There was a new start in Entiat this afternoon, however fire personnel responded to the fire and quickly suppressed it.
The focus for July 11 will be on the northern portion of the fire perimeter. Challenges for fire personnel include steep rocky terrain, flashy fuels, and warm weather conditions. The fire has reached Highway 97A on the eastern perimeter and has been closed due to rolling debris onto the highway and heavy smoke conditions.