Joint Federal/State Team Now Managing Mazama Fires

The three fires near Mazama are now being managed by a joint federal and Washington State team after growing in size this week.

The Varden-Cedar Creek-Delancy fires were started by thunderstorm that came through north central Washington last week.

Smoke in the area is making for unhealthy conditions while crews are trying to keep the fires from spreading.

The Forest Service is trying to limit the level of the smoke, although dry and windy conditions could complicate those efforts Wednesday and Thursday.

Washington State Patrol is warning drivers to stay away from the closed portion of State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway.

The Department of Transportation is reporting that people are showing up expecting to use a Forest Service road around the closure, which is not possible.

A stretch of State Route 20 between Winthrop and Mazama is expected to remain closed through the weekend because of the Varden-Cedar Creek-Delancy fires.

DOT is recommending Highway 2 or I-90 as an alternative for cross state travel.