Little Giant Fire grows to 142,218 acres, remains 15% contained

WENATCHEE  — The Little Giant Fire remained at 142,218 acres and 15% containment Saturday evening as crews continued firing operations and helicopters worked to slow the fire near Twin Lakes, Stormy Creek and Maverick Peak.

The number of personnel assigned to the fire increased to 2,324 by Saturday evening, up from 2,303 reported Saturday morning. Resources included 79 engines, 44 crews, 85 pieces of heavy equipment, 35 water tenders and six helicopters.

Firefighters continued slow, deliberate firing operations from Maverick Saddle, working along established firelines and south along Forest Service Road 200 to connect operations near Burgess Meadow, according to the Saturday evening update.

Multiple helicopters supported suppression efforts throughout the day, dropping water to slow fire spread toward the Twin Lakes area, Stormy Creek and near Maverick Peak. Helicopters also supported strategic firing operations.

Saturday morning, fire officials reported crews were protecting the historic Twin Lakes Cabin at the end of the Twin Lakes Trail. Helicopters had dropped water Friday on a finger of the fire growing from the western flank as it backed toward the trail. Firefighters were also mopping up along the lower edge of the fire perimeter into the Chiwawa drainage and along Chiwawa River Road.

In the Entiat drainage, crews had addressed isolated pockets of heat west of the Entiat River. Fireline from the roadside to Tyee Mountain continued to hold, while a hotshot crew, assisted by helicopter bucket drops, completed a reinforced dozer line from Gene Creek to Baldy Mountain. Heavy equipment was clearing debris flows from Entiat River Road caused by storms the previous week.

The Sisi Fire grew to 734 acres by Saturday evening and remained 0% contained. Resources are shared with the Little Giant Fire.

A heavy helicopter made repeated water drops on the Sisi Fire during the day to slow its spread. Crews continued receiving logistical support for suppression operations.

The Sisi Fire had been reported at 658 acres Saturday morning, an increase of 76 acres by the evening update. Two Wildland Fire Modules were assigned to build and improve firelines east from High Bridge Campground and along previously used control lines near Stehekin.

Saturday marked Northwest Incident Management Team 12's final day managing the Little Giant and Sisi fires. California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 is scheduled to assume management of the fires Sunday morning after arriving Saturday to shadow the outgoing team.

The Little Giant Fire was started by lightning July 15.