A popular hiking and mountain biking region in north-central Washington state is under a layer of smoke as two large wildfires continue to burn in hilly, forested areas near the towns of Winthrop and Mazama in the Methow Valley.
Hot temperatures and winds are also fanning wildfires near the towns of Wenatchee, Yakima and Walla Walla.
The Methow Valley fires forced the closure of a portion of State Route 20, the North Cascade Highway, a popular scenic route across mountains.
While the smoke impact eased Tuesday morning, Mazama, Winthrop and Twisp may experience periods of unhealthy and hazardous smoke as winds shift through the day.
More wildfire updates as of July 20:
Cedar Creek and Delancy fires, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - The Cedar Creek Fire is burning south and west of State Route 20. It’s more than 8,400 acres with 11% containment. The Delancy Fire is about 180 acres.
Chuweah Creek Fire, southwest of Nespelem – 36,177 acres with 40% contained.
Cub Creek 2 Fire, burning on Okanogan County Fire District 6 and Washington Department of Natural Resources protected lands and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. It’s estimated at 32,473 acres with 5% containment.
Elbow Creek Fire, 35 miles southeast of Walla Walla. Estimated to be 17,260 acres with 15% containment.
Goddard Road Fire, Stevens County. About 674 acres have burned with 25% containment.
Green Ridge Fire, southeast Washington. 2,086 acres with 15% containment.
Lick Creek (Dry Gulch) Fire, southwest of Asotin. 73,190 acres with 45% contained.
Red Apple Fire, near Nespelem. 12,288 acres with 90% contained.
Summit Trail Fire, 17 miles west of Inchelium. 4,650 acres.
Find a map of Washington wildfires here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ and updates from the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center here: http://nwccinfo.blogspot.com/
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