INCHELIUM, Wash. — Crews say “diligent work by firefighters” has proven successful on the Modrite Fire burning about 17 miles southwest of Inchelium.
Since lightning sparked the Modrite Fire on July 17, the wildfire has burned 57,639 acres.
As of Sunday, August 16, the wildfire is 83% contained.
Evacuations
Ferry County residents should sign up for the Everbridge Mass Notification System through the Ferry County webpage.
Level 3 (GO NOW), Level 2 (BE READY), and Level 1 (Notification) notices are in effect in the area. Statuses may change rapidly. For questions, please call the EOC Call Center: 509-634-2043. All evacuations listed on the county’s Perimeter Maps.
Resources
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Modrite Fire on Thursday, July 30.
Officials determined that the Modrite Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the fourth approved FEMA declaration in 2026 to help fight Washington wildfires.
At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Inchelium. The fire also threatened tribally owned infrastructure, including the Inchelium Community Center, Colville Tribal EMS Fire and Rescue, Stim-oos Park, Colville Tribal Child Care Center, Inchelium Library, Inchelium Wood Treatment Plant and a campground.
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InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wacoa-modrite-fire
For smoke outlooks, click here.
Operations
Here is part of the news release fire officials sent out the morning of Sunday, August 16. You can find the full release here.
“Yesterday: Crews patrolled for remaining hot spots near the fireline and around structures. Removal of structure protection equipment is nearly complete throughout the fire area and will continue along the southern part of Wilmont Creek Road. The Gold Mountain Ridge contingency line construction has progressed south toward Dry Creek.
Today’s Activities: On the western flank, crews will work along control lines to remove standing dead “snag” trees. Current operations patrolling for and mopping up areas of isolated heat will continue around the perimeter. As this work is completed, more fire suppression equipment will be removed. Along Gold Mountain Ridge from Dry Creek toward Wilmont Creek Road, mastication work to construct contingency line is also ongoing.
Firefighters will continue mop-up and paroling the Teepee Creek and Bear Hide Fires. Crews remain prepared to respond to any holdover fires that may have resulted from recent lightning as warmer temperatures continue to dry vegetation."