Single Publication

Update for Swawilla and Bridge Creek Fires

• EVACUATIONS:  Please see the map for UPDATED (8/1/24) evacuation areas. An evacuation center located at the Republic Fairgrounds is still accepting evacuees. For questions on evacuations contact the Colville Confederated Tribes EOC– (509) 634-7350.

• Closed/Open Roads (see Quick Facts charts for specifics):

  • Bridge Creek Road is open.

  • Peter Dan Road/Manilla Creek Road and Buffalo Lake Road are open to local resident traffic only. 

  • Keno Mine Road is closed

  • SanPoil Road is closed

  • 30 Mile Road is closed

  • All roads within the fire area are closed, except those that are listed as open to local resident traffic only.

Fire managers thank you for your patience as evacuations and the firefighting operations are going into two weeks. Your cooperation not only protects your life but ensures the safety of firefighters and increased efficiency of suppression tactics. 

Swawilla Fire

The strategic burning operation was very productive yesterday and will continue as planned this morning. According to fire mangers, all is going great. Fire engines patrolled and mopped up hot spots along Hwy 21 and will continue securing private property and residences through today’s shift. 

Bridge Creek Wildfire

A few areas of heat continue to linger in the northeast portion of the Bridge Creek Fire, and firefighters are concentrating efforts to cool down and extinguish those portions of the fire. Managers were pleased with operations yesterday and will continue reassigning resources from Bridge Creek to Swawilla to help with suppression efforts.  

Fire Weather 

The change in temperature will bring about a warmer, drier terrain, creating a higher rate of spread at lower elevations. The cooler days will end today bringing a hot air mass with drier conditions and light winds from the southwest.  There is a 20% chance of thunderstorms and higher temperatures through the weekend.  

Safety Message

Smoke will remain in the area over the next few days due to the controlled burning operation, impacting driving visibility. Visit Airnow.gov for air quality in your area and take precautions for protecting your health. 

Please slow down when driving all roads leading to and from the fires. There is a considerable amount of firefighting traffic and slow-moving equipment along roads and poor visibility. 

Boaters should avoid emergency firefighting aircraft using any waterbodies to acquire water to suppress fires. 

No drones are allowed within our Temporary Flight Restrictions. 

Remember, if you fly, we can’t! 

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/, Keller Ferry, https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV, https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts; Airnow.gov