Fire commanders dramatically increased their containment report Wednesday night for the Carlton Complex fire.
It rose to 52 percent from the last report of 16 percent.
Rain helped slow the spread of the fire, and crews were able to strengthen high-priority fire lines.
This progress came despite afternoon thunderstorms that forced many firefighters to take shelter in their vehicles from heavy rain, lightning and hail.
At an evening meeting in Winthrop, utility officials estimated that electricity will be restored to the Methow Valley this weekend.
Okanogan PUD General Manager John Grubich warned the weather could change that timeline, because power crews must work in rugged terrain, sometimes even building their own roads to access damaged lines.
"With this rain now we're worried about slide control," Grubich said.
Generators remain in high demand.
At Napa Auto Parts in Twisp, Dwain Hutson has sold about 30.
"If I had another 30 I could probably sell them out," he said.
Gary Clark hauled a donated generator from Moses Lake to set up for a neighbor who's a disabled veteran.
"This is how it all works, we're all one big family up here," he said.
One big family that's resilient and keeps things in perspective.
Nancy St. Clair's thoughts are with those who lost their homes.
She said: "They're just grateful they're alive, so we don't have a little power, so what?"