In the early morning hours around 5am on August 14, 2015, a lightning strike started a wildfire high on Icicle Ridge outside of Leavenworth, WA. By 7am, US Forest Service fire crews were at the trail head of 4th of July Creek on Icicle Creek Rd, preparing to do what they do.

Their plan is to hike to the top of Icicle Ridge via the 4th of July Creek trail, then head Northwest following the ridge until they reach the fire. As of 8am, it appeared the thickest smoke was high on the ridge between 4th of July Creek and Johnny Creek though no flames were visible from the road, and there are no threats to structures or Leavenworth at this time. For now, the Icicle Ridge Trail and 4th of July Creek trails are closed (details here). Stay tuned to KOHO 101.1 FM and the Chelan County Emergency Management on Facebook for important updates.

Photo shot by IcicleTV contributor Andy Jaynes at 7:36am on August 14, 2015.