The Kaiser Canyon Fire has burned over 2,000 acres and prompted Level 3 evacuations in Okanogan County, according to fire officials.
The fire may have been caused by lightning and is burning just south of Buffalo Lake Road and Agency, near the town of Nespelem.
As of Friday morning, the fire is reported to be 0% contained. State mobilization has been activated to support firefighting efforts.
State fire officials say the fire started at approximately 6:04 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, and is estimated at 2,200 acres and growing.
Here’s where things stand as of 7 a.m. on Friday, June 17.
Evacuations:
Level 3 Evacuations are in place for School Loop Road, all of Agency Campus, Buffalo Lake Rd., Rebecca Lake, Belvedere, and Nespelem as of 9 p.m. Thursday. Evacuate north on SR 155 towards Omak.
Reminders from officials:
- Do not wait for additional notifications or door-to-door contact.
- Leave the area immediately.
- Be aware of your surroundings and evacuate without delay.
- Use caution and watch for emergency vehicles and first responders in the area.
Closures:
SR 155 from Convalescent Blvd to Elmer City Access Road and Buffalo Lake Rd from Agency to Rebecca Lake Road.
Shelters:
- Red Cross shelter at the Omak Long House, 25 Mission Road, Omak, WA
- Red Cross Shelter at the Coulee Dam High School Gym at 503 Crest Drive, Coulee Dam, WA
Animal Shelters:
The Ridge Riders Rodeo Grounds (Colorama Pro Rodeo) and the Okanogan County Fairgrounds are available to provide temporary shelter for dogs, cats, and livestock belonging to individuals affected by the Kaiser Canyon Fire.
- Ridge Riders Rodeo Grounds (Colorama Pro Rodeo), 2209 Alcan Rd NE, Grand Coulee, WA
- Okanogan County Fairgrounds, 175 Rodeo Trail, Okanogan, WA
Resources:
Multiple fire engines, dozers, hand crews, and air resources are being utilized, and the Northeast Interagency Team 3 has assumed command.
State fire assistance was mobilized on July 16 at 11:30 p.m. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered four strike teams to aid in containment efforts, and State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.
Firefighters from East Grays Harbor Fire and Rescue and Grays Harbor Fire District #1 are joining the fight as part of coordinated strike teams.
More Information:
For fire information, call Mt. Tolman at (509) 634-3100
Okanogan County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
An updated evacuations and closures map can be found here: perimetermap.com
The official Facebook page for the Colville Tribal broadcast system (Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information) has been posting frequent updates about evacuations and shelters.