EDITOR'S NOTE: This is coverage of the Washington wildfires that was originally published in this story file. The content was moved to this file to keep page load time on mobile devices reasonable for viewers.
Monday, Aug. 24
8:15 p.m.
7:29 p.m.
Smoke continues to fill the air as fires burn in Tonasket.
6:00 p.m.
The Seattle Fire Department dispatched three fire personnel: a Battalion Chief, a Lieutenant and a firefighter—to the Okanogan County Emergency Operation Center.
19 firefighters from the department had already been deployed—including wildland firefighters who were battling the fires on the front lines.
4:30 p.m.
The Washington National Guard and other U.S. National Guard helicopters have dropped 350,000 gallons of water on the Washington wildfires.
4:00 p.m.
Anheuser-Busch said they will be delivering more than 50,000 cans of water to firefighters in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest.
3:00 p.m.
The Salvation Army announced current feeding programs for residents affected by the Washington wildfires.
In Brewster, The Salvation Army has been coordinating and serving three meals each day. Attendance averages about 400 people per day. Snacks and beverages are also provided throughout the day.
The meals will continue into this week, at a minimum.
In Omak, The Salvation Army will begin coordinating and serving three meals a day to the Military Police who were recently deployed to assist in the area.
Families impacted by the fires can visit local Salvation Army offices for support—including gas cards and vouchers for the nearby Salvation Army thrift store.
The vouchers can be redeemed for clothing and other needed items.
Location of Salvation Army social services office [for vouchers and Safeway gas cards]
- 1205 S. Columbia Street, Wenatchee, 98801; 509-662-8864
Location of Salvation Army thrift store – to redeem vouchers
- 1219 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, 98801; 509-662-5103
1:30 p.m.
The public libraries of Okanogan County announced they are open regular hours to serve the public during the emergency.
The libraries provide Internet Stations, WIFI, a telephone land line, and access to electricity to recharge cell phones as long as power is on to the library.
WIFI is available to all visitors and local people.
The libraries will make every effort to remain open through level 2 evacuation status, will close at level 3 status, and will try to reopen as soon as possible after the status returns to level 2.
This notice includes the Omak, Okanogan, Twisp, Winthrop, Tonasket, Oroville, Republic, Brewster, Bridgeport and Pateros libraries.
12:29 p.m.
The Upper Skagit Complex wildfire in the National Cascades National Park north of Marblemount, Wash., has grown to 4,342 acres and is 0 percent contained. There are 147 people working on the fire as of Monday morning, including three hand crews, two camp crews, one helicopter and 10 engines.
11:30 a.m.
Officials said the latest acreage had reached 256,567.
Today there have only been a couple of very minor incidents and injuries to firefighters—which are associated with bee stings.
The meetings that officials have held are being well-attended by community members, who are very grateful for the men and women out on the ground doing the hard work: fighting fires.
Fire officials said they're trying to keep people in their houses: especially people with health ailments, pregnant mothers, and young children.
10:17 a.m.
The massive fire burning in north-central Washington is now the largest in state history.
The Okanogan Complex of wildfires has surpassed last year's Carlton Complex blazes.
Fire spokesman Rick Isaacson said Monday the Okanogan Complex was measured overnight at just over 400 square miles, slightly more than the Carlton fires, which also burned in Okanogan County.
The latest group of fires grew by more than 26 square miles Sunday and is expected to spread even more in coming days.
Isaacson called the record unfortunate and notes it's only Aug. 24, meaning the fire could burn for several more months. Officials are still trying to determine how many homes and other structures have been burned.
About 1,250 people are battling the fires. Last week, three firefighters were killed and four injured near Twisp, Washington.
9:46 a.m.
Fire managers from as far as Australia and New Zealand have arrived in the West as massive wildfires raging in Washington state and elsewhere in the region taxed resources and led officials to put out a wide call for help.
In Washington, a blaze raging in the north-central part of the state has grown to become the largest in state history, fire spokesman Rick Isaacson said Monday.
The Okanogan Complex of fires was measured overnight at just over 400 square miles. That's slightly more than last year's Carlton Complex blazes, which also burned in Okanogan County.
The latest group of fires grew by more than 26 square miles Sunday and is expected to spread even more in coming days.
8:42 a.m.
In Okanogan County, the latest evacuation levels:
Level 3:
- Aenes Valley
- Conconully
- Twisp River Road
- Tunk Area
- Chilliwist Valley
Level 2:
- Havillah area,
- Tonasket,
- Twisp
- Winthrop,
- Gardner Creek Road
Level 1:
- Carlton, Chesaw
- Malott, Mazama
- Molson, Omak
- Oroville, Pateros
- Brewster
- Okanogan
- Riverside
- Omak Flats (south of Epley & Bide-a-Wee)
- Omak Flats/Green Acres (North), Talbert Loop Road
- Pogue Road
- Danker Cutoff, & all areas west of Conconully Hwy to Epley Road
- All Johnson Creek Road to Highway 97 including Green Acres Road
There is a Red Flag (Fire Weather) Warning in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday, so all areas should remain alert to changing fire conditions and evacuation levels.
7:23 a.m.
Sixteen large wildfires are burning across central and eastern Washington, covering more than 920 square miles. More than 200 homes have been destroyed, and more than 12,000 homes and thousands of other structures remain threatened.
6:40 a.m.
More resources are arriving in Okanogan County to fight fires.
Two massive fires, among several other fires, are burning nearly 250,000 acres.
The large fires are the Okanogan Complex and the North Star, which is burning out of control at just three percent containment.
North Star fire is on the Colville Reservation.
Nineteen homes have been lost in the North Star fire.
Officials still don't have a count of homes lost in the Okanogan Complex.
5:25 a.m.
The wildfire haze hanging over Western Washington should be clearing out on Monday.
The smoke is expected to decrease as low level onshore flow from the Pacific Ocean begins again offering a dose of fresher air. This weather pattern should help improve air quality and visibility.
To find updated air quality data in your area, check this air quality map.
4:31 a.m.
Out-of-control blazes in Okanogan County grew worse over the weekend with contaiment dropping from 38 percent to just 10 percent.
Hundreds of homes are threatened by the fire, and crews are working marathon shifts to contain the flames.
>> PHOTOS: Wildfires wreak havoc in drought-choked Washington
KIRO 7 is following wildfires throughout the newscast until 8 a.m. on kirotv.com. Watch here.
Sunday updates
6:30 p.m.
Air quality in Seattle was 'unhealthy,' according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Smoke hung over the Puget Sunday on Sunday—a result of Washington wildfires.
At 6:30 p.m., the haze was subsiding.
To find updated air quality data in your area, check this air quality map.
4:00 p.m.
In Okanogan County, the latest evacuation levels:
Level 3:
- Aenes Valley
- Conconully
- Havilla
- Twisp River Road
- Tunk Area
Level 2:
- Winthrop
- Tonasket
- Twisp
- Gardner Creek Road (near Republic)
Level 1:
- Carlton
- Chesaw
- Malott
- Mazama
- Mason
- Oroville
- Omak
- Pateros
- Brewster
- Okanogan
- Riverside
- Omak Flats (south of Epley & Bide-a-Wee)
- Omak Flats/Green Acres (North)
- Talbert Loop Road
- Pogue Road
- Danker Cutoff, & all areas west of Conconully Highway to Epley Road
- Johnson Creek Road to Highway 97 including Green Acres Road
There is a Red Flag (Fire Weather) Warning in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday, so all areas should remain alert to changing fire conditions and evacuation levels.
2:00 p.m.
Officials said two of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildland firefighters, who were injured on Aug. 19 as they fought a fire near Twisp, were still recuperating.
DNR employee Donald Smith was treated and released on the day of the incident, while Reed Callis was kept overnight and released the next day.
12:00 p.m.
In Okanogan County, the latest evacuation levels:
Level 3:
- Malott
- Aenes Valley
- Conconully
- Omak Flats/Green Acres (North)
- Twisp River Road
- Tunk Area
Level 2:
- Winthrop
- Tonasket
- Twisp
Level 1:
- Carlton
- Chesaw
- Mazama
- Mason
- Oroville
- Omak
- Pateros
- Brewster
- Okanogan
- Riverside
- Omak Flats (south of Epley & Bide-a-Wee)
- Talbert Loop Road
- Pogue Road
- Danker Cutoff, & all areas west of Conconully Highway to Epley Road
- Johnson Creek Road to Highway 97 including Green Acres Road
The family of fallen firefighter, Andrew Zajac, released a video statement.
<span><em>"Our Andrew was a man that you could count on to do everything in his power to protect the people and the places that he loved," said Mary Zajac, fallen firefighter Andrew Zajac's mother. "We are proud of him and all that he's done."</em><br/></span>
11:00 a.m.
Saturday updates
11:00 p.m.
Fire quickly approaching the totals from last year's Carlton Complex fire, which is the largest in state history.
Though crews made progress on Saturday because of low wind, the heavy smoke stopped retardant drops from the air.
"Flying in these particular visibility conditions is real tricky,” said Larry Trapp, air operations branch director on the Okanogan Complex Fire.
On Friday, more than 250,000 gallons of retardant spilled to the ground in Okanogan county, as winds whipped waves of fire.
But Saturday, those fixed wing aircraft were all but grounded because of all the smoke.
"When you get like this, with low visibility, you have a lot of potential for conflicts between aircraft,” said Trapp.
Starting at about 8 a.m. Saturday, when fire activity picks up again, helicopters will again take to the sky for air drops, depending on the weather.
There are five fires burning throughout the county, and none of them in the complex is more than 35 percent contained.
5:00 p.m.
Dozens arrived in Okanogan County to train today as volunteer firefighters, to help save homes and keep the area safe.
"We can't sit at home and watch it on T.V.," said volunteer Cory Chavez. "I [had] to go help."
227,000 acres was the latest acreage in Okanogan County.
3:00 p.m.
Air quality in Okanogan County ranges from 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' in the Methow Valley—to 'Very Unhealthy' in the Okanogan/Omak areas.
Over the next few days, officials expect air quality to range from hazardous to unhealthy.
Officials with the Okanogan County Emergency Management advise that everyone should stay indoors if at all possible, partaking only in light activities, and keeping windows closed if it is not too hot.
1:00 p.m.
Several teams have arrived to support the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (OWNF).
A National Incident Management Team (NIMO) has been assigned to provide support as requested by the Forest, so that employees can deal with forest business and take care of their families, employees, and friends.
A second NIMO Team will be helping to organize any memorial services to honor our fallen firefighters.
12:00 p.m
A second firefighter injured in Twisp was transferred overnight to Harborview in Seattle.
Saturday morning, the firefighter was awake, alert, and in satisfactory condition.
The latest fire size estimate was 227,226 acres for the Okanogan complex fire.
Fire officials were optimistic for progress with lessened winds.
11:00 a.m
In Okanogan County, the latest evacuation levels:
Level 3:
- Conconully
- Malott
- Omak Flats
- Aeneas Valley
- Twisp River Road
Level 2:
- Winthrop
- Riverside
- Tonasket
- Twisp
Level 1:
- Brewster
- Omak
- Carlton
- Mazma
- Oroville
- Pateros
- Chesaw
- Molson
- Okanogan
Friday updates
11:10 p.m.
Officials with Okanogan County Emergency Management updated their evacuation levels.
The following areas are at Level 3 (Leave Immediately): Aeneas Valley, Conconully, Malott, Twisp River Road and Winthrop.
The following areas are at Level 2 (Be Ready): Okanogan, Riverside, Tonasket and Twisp.
The following areas are at Level 1 (Be Alert): Brewster, Carlton, Chesaw, Mazama, Molson, Omak, Oroville and Pateros.
10:50 p.m.
Officials with CenturyLink in eastern Washington said 911, phone and internet was restored in Winthrop and surrounding areas.
8:55 p.m.
Evacuations are in progress for parts of the city of Republic in Ferry County.
A level 3 evacuation order is issued for the following areas off Highway 395: Carson Road, Pool Road, Murphy Road, Harter Way, BJ Place.
6:39 p.m.
At least five large blazes continue to burn in north-central Washington's Okanogan County. The fires grew by more than 100 square miles in a day.
Homes and structures are still at risk near Chelan.
New photos from The Associated Press show the devestation from the fires, orange skies, and planes dropping water and retardant on Eastern Washington. Click here to see them.
5:54 p.m.
A new incident command team is in control of the Okanogan Complex fight.
KIRO 7's Natasha Chen was out in the field and said since Friday morning, there were no new level 3 evacuations.
Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers said at least two homes were lost in the Tunk Block Fire.
He said at least one or two other homes burned elsewhere, making Friday's total three to four homes. There is still no total count, because people have yet to go in and assess damage.
5:03 p.m
In Okanogan County, the latest evacuation levels:
Level 3:
- Aeneas Valley
- Conconully
- Malott, but 97 is open
- Omak Flats
- Winthrop
Level 2:
- Okanogan
- Riverside
- Tonasket
- Twisp
Level 1:
- Brewster
- Carlton
- Mazma
- Omak
- Oroville
- Pateros
5:01 p.m.
Family of fallen firefighter Andrew Zajac released a statement:
"We were devastated to learn of the death of our beloved husband, son, and brother, Andrew Zajac, 26, while fighting the wildfire near Twisp, Washington on August 19, 2015. Andrew grew up hiking and camping and carried that passion with him, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013 with Jenn. He and Jenn were married in November 2014 in a ceremony held outdoors near the Gila National Forest and planned to live a long and happy life in the outdoors together."
"Andrew loved nature, pursuing both a bachelor of science in biology from Case Western Reserve in 2010 and a master of science in biology from the University of South Dakota in 2014. This was Andrew’s second year as a firefighter for the US Forest Service, serving in 2014 in Mimbres, New Mexico and starting in April 2015 in Winthrop, Washington."
"We are saddened that a life with such promise has ended so soon and we will miss him deeply."
4:56 p.m.
Sixteen large wildfires and many smaller ones now span about 400,000 acres of Eastern Washington.
State health officials warn that smoke from the fires raise health concerns for people in the 11 affected counties.
This is especially true for children and those with health conditions.
4:05 p.m.
In Okanogan County, a level 3 evacuation order is in place the following areas as of 4 p..m.: Twisp River Road, East Buttermilk Road, West Buttermilk Road. Twisp River Road from Arnica Lane to Little Bridge Creek.
3:15 p.m.
More details are emerging about the incident in which three firefighters died while battling huge wildfires in north-central Washington.
Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers said Friday a group of firefighters tried to escape the flames in two vehicles and on foot.
One vehicle made it out of danger Wednesday, but the other vehicle crashed and was overrun by flames. That's the vehicle in which the three firefighters died. Rogers said the four firefighters who were injured, one critically, were among those who had to escape on foot.
Rogers said it is not clear when the county coroner will release the cause of death of the three firefighters.
The Okanogan Complex consists of five wildfires that are burning within what is Washington's largest county in size. The fires are threatening more than 5,100 homes.
2:45 p.m.
A team established by the U.S. Forest Service is beginning work today to complete a Chief's Level Coordinated Response Protocol (CRP) safety review of the circumstances surrounding the events leading to the fatalities of three agency firefighters and the critical injuries of one agency firefighter.
1:57 p.m.
Harborview Medical Center tells KIRO 7 injured firefighter Daniel Lyon remains in critical condition as of Friday, but his first surgery was successful. The has burns on over 60 percent of his body.
His parents are praying their son will survive.
12:30 p.m.
Gov. Jay Inslee announces the Federal Emergency Management Agency declaration, signed by the president, means additional resources are on their way from the federal government to supplement state and local response efforts in areas affected by the wildfires, which began on Aug. 13.
In addition, Inslee today amended an emergency proclamation to allow some fuel carriers delivering products to Okanogan County to extend their driving hours.
12: 01 p.m.
As of noon in Okanogan County, 124,083 acres burn in the Okanogan Complex according to an incident overview.
Okanogan County Emergency Management advises residents across the county to cut down on unnecessary travel, whuch can slow down evacuation efforts and interfere with firefighting.
11:28 a.m.
Current evacuations could expand today as gusty winds make it difficult to fight fires -- this after hundreds of residents were forced from five towns this week in Okanogan County.
Fire officials said in a news brieifing that Chelan fires grew 16,000 acres overnight, making the total now 134,602 acres.
In Chelan County, no structures were lost overnight. Level 3 evacutions are still in place in the First Creek Fire.
10:50 a.m.
Out-of-control blazes in north-central Washington have destroyed buildings, but the situation is so chaotic that authorities have "no idea" how many homes may have been lost.
Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers said Friday that "we have lost them, but I don't know how many."
The complex of fires that killed three firefighters earlier this week has blown up, growing more than 100 square miles in a day to 252 square miles.
A National Weather Service warning of extreme fire danger was set to expire at 5 p.m. Friday, which may bring some relief to firefighters.
Despite the growth, mandatory evacuations for the small towns of Twisp and Tonasket have been reduced. Residents of those towns can return to their homes but were warned to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.
10:32 a.m.
In Okanogan County, a level 3 evacuation order is in place for Havillah, Swanson Mill Road to US Forest Service boundary. Residents should not wait for door-to-door notification and should evacuate to Oroville.
9:35 a.m.
President Barack Obama has signed an emergency declaration authorizing federal help for the massive wildfires burning out of control in Washington state.
Obama on Friday declared an emergency and authorized the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts.
The order covers 11 counties in central and eastern Washington as well as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Nation.
8:36 a.m.
A massive complex of blazes that killed three firefighters in north-central Washington state has grown by more than 100 square miles in a day.
Fire spokesman Rick Isaacson said early Friday that the wildfires have grown to just over 252 square miles since Thursday morning. He says they are largely burning uncontrolled as flames keep jumping fire lines.
Isaacson says officials don't know how many homes or other buildings have been destroyed. They have ordered the partial evacuation of the town of Okanogan, which has 2,500 residents.
Isaacson says even the fire base camp in Okanogan has been told to be prepared to evacuate.
There were 820 firefighters fighting the blazes Friday, two days after flames overran firefighters, killing three and injuring four.
8:07 a.m.
The National Weather Service updated their red flag warning map.
7:50 a.m.
A multitude of large wildfires burning across arid Washington state have so overtaxed firefighters that officials took the unprecedented step of calling for volunteers to help fight the flames.
The state Department of Natural Resources said late Thursday that it would review civilians' offers to help and send them where they would be most useful. Volunteers could start applying Friday at centers in the communities of Omak and Colville.
It is the first time the state has asked for volunteers as an explosive fire season has led to the deaths of three firefighters and the evacuation of entire towns.
It comes even after fire managers from Australia and New Zealand were recruited to help combat blazes in the West.
3:49 a.m. Friday
In Okanogan County, a Level 3 evacuation was issued for mile marker 73 approximately 8 miles from Omak on Hwy 155 on Friday morning. At 2:52 a.m., officials tweeted a Level 2 evacuation order from Mill Street to the city limits, including 11th, Woodstill Road, Dunning Road, Vin Mar, Hennepin Street, Murray Street. Shortly before that, a Level 3 evacuation was ordered from the Danker Road, cutoff, to include Pogue Road, Fairview Drive, Bogey Drive, Conconully to Cherry Lane.
At 1:44 a.m., Okanogan County Emergency Management issued a Level 3 evacuation from Salmon Creek to the city limits of Okanogan South on West side of Okanogan River to North city limits of Malott.
Thursday updates
10:10 p.m.
There were several power outages in the Methow Valley and Okanogan County Emergency Management sent a precautionary message to residents. They were told to be aware of the outages and to be prepared for the potential of a major outage throughout the County due to fire behavior.
7:25 p.m.
In Okanogan County, the city of Tonasket is now under a Level 3 evacuation. Residents are urged to evacuate immediately and to not wait for door-to-door notifications.
6:01 p.m.
Around 6,500 people are evacuated from Chelan and Okanogan counties.
Dozens of homes are burned, but numbers ar expected to ride when firefighters can assess the damage.
Three major fires rage around Lake Chelan, about 200 miles east of Seattle.
And just to the North of them-- the Okanogan Complex fire spread to cover nearly 140 square miles.
That fire is stretching toward Winthrop and Twisp-- the town three firefighters gave their lives to protect.
The Red Cross has opened the shelters at the following:
- Sterling Intermediate School
- Loon Lake Elementary School
- Brewster Middle/High School
- Republic Elementary School
- Morgen Owings Elementary School
- Lake Roosevelt High School
- Tonasket High School
With so many big fires in Washington state, resources are stretched to the limit, FEMA says federal money will cover 75 percent of the fire fighting costs.
5:07 p.m
In Stevens Co., Carpertner Road Fire has forced residents to flee their homes. It reached nearly 20,00 acres on Thursday afternoon.
A level 3 evacuation was ordered Thursday morning.
5:03 p.m.
Chelan PUD announces 200 customers in the lower Antoine Creek/Chelan Airport area had their power restored on Thursday, about 150 customers remain without power. Click here for Chelan coverage.
4:50 p.m.
A news conference is held at Harborview Medical Center. KIRO 7 reporter Amy Clancy is at the news conference, and we will have updates soon.
4:12 p.m.
Seattle Fire Department announces the Washington State Emergency Operations Center requested four firefighters from the SFD’s Critical Stress Incident Management team to provide support in Okanogan. The firefighters will assist Forest Service crews in dealing with the loss of three firefighters and the injury of four others.
This latest deployment brings the total of 20 Seattle Firefighters currently dispatched in Central and Eastern Washington to assist in firefighting operations. Sixteen of the firefighters have received wildland fire training.
Other fire departments are putting resources to help in the wildfires.
3:33 p.m.
In Okanogan County, a new map is released for Aenas Valley evacuations.
3 p.m.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (OWNF) officials identified three fallen of the U.S. Forest Service firefighters as Tom Zbyszewski, 20, Andrew Zajac, 26, and Richard Wheeler, 31.
Daniel Lyon, age 25, was injured and is being treated at Harborview Hospital in Seattle.
2: 57 p.m.
In Okanogan County, The Twisp River Fire, which was just a small smoke half an hour ago, was kicking up again mid-afternoon.
An immediately evacuation has been issued for Aenas Valley due to rapidly advancing fire. Persons should be aware of their surroundings and evacuate immediately to a safe location.
2:15 p.m.
In Okanogan County, Okanogan Public Utility Department says several areas are currently without power and telecommunication service. The PUD anticipates that half of those customers will have electric service restored before 5 p.m. on Thursday. Fires continue to threaten the Loup Loup Transmission line. The line is currently energized and serving the towns of Twisp and Winthrop.
2:07 p.m.
Three out of the four injured firefighters have been released from the hospital. A firefighter critically injured battling blazes in Washington state has burns over about 60 percent of his body. Officials at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle said Thursday he is a 25-year-old man from Puyallup.
1:27 p.m.
More than 100 uncontained fires burn across Washington, scorching 390,000 acres.
The Space Needle has lowered its flag to half-staff for the fallen firefighters. In the last hour, a friend called one of those firefighters a hometown hero.
He also told KIRO 7 News that fallen firefighter was friends with his son and gradatedfrom Liberty Bell High School in the Methow Valley.
12:54 a.m.
In Chelan, four fires continue to burn. The Black Canyon combined with the reach overnight and is now part of the Chelan Complex. Click here to read a break down on the four fires.
The count of structures destroyed in Chelan, is expected to go up.
11:56 a.m.
Wildfire activity has kicked up closing US 97, 2 miles north of Omak for 17 miles to 4 miles south of Tonasket. No detour.
>> PHOTOS: Wildfires wreak havoc in drought-choked Washington
11:37 a.m.
Weather conditions heighten wildfire risk on Wednesday.
Winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts of up to 40 mph are raising the risks of wildfire across northeast Washington, including the Methow Valley and the Okanogan Valley. The area, which includes the several counties where more than 1,000 firefighters are battling 10 large wildfires that have burned more than 120,000 acres, will also see higher temperatures and decreasing humidity.
11:15 a.m.
Fire officials and Washington leaders held a news briefing outlining priorities in containing the fires. Ground crews are the biggest help, officials said.
Gov. Jay Inslee says Washington is facing an "unprecedented cataclysm" from the many fires raging across the dry state.
At a Thursday news conference with fire officials in central Washington, Inslee praised the courage of the 3,000 firefighters battling wildfires in the state. He says the state was grieving three firefighters killed Wednesday near Twisp, words echoed by Washington's U.S. senators and fire managers.
Inslee says the fires "have burned a big hole in our state's heart."
More than 3,000 firefighters, including those who came from out of the state, are working wildfires in Washington on Wednesday.
10:56 a.m.
Authorities say three firefighters killed and four injured were overrun by flames as they battled blazes in the same area of Washington state.
Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers says the three who died were in a vehicle that crashed but that the "crash did not kill them." His office was investigating the scene Thursday, then will turn it over to federal investigators, who will try to determine how the fire overran the firefighters.
Rogers says homes burned Wednesday night in the Twisp and Winthrop areas, about 115 miles northeast of Seattle, but he did not know how many. Scroll down for evacuations on Wednesday.
He says it was "a nightmare" that night and that "everything was burning."
10:43 a.m.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Twisp River Fire, burning in Okanogan County, Washington.
9:50 a.m.
A firefighter critically injured battling blazes in Washington state has burns over about 60 percent of his body. Officials at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle said Thursday he is a 25-year-old man from Puyallup.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee was scheduled to speak Thursday morning after getting a briefing from fire officials at 11 a.m.
As large, fast-moving fires like the Okanogan and Chelan complexes continue to burn, other wildfires continue to cause damage to the state.
In the below interactive map, click on a point for information. Continue to scroll down for a list of resources and details on fire evacuations. Click here for a larger map.
If the map asks you to sign in, click cancel twice, and it will redirect you accordingly. If you are using a smartphone, click on this link and when the green summary box appears touch the X in the top right.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
KIRO
