Single Publication

TONASKET, Wash. August 4, 2023 – The Eagle Bluff fire is now at 16,428 acres and is 45% contained. Management objectives continue to focus efforts on firefighter safety, public safety, protection of property, and preservation of cultural and natural resources values. The fire is burning on land managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Spokane District—Bureau of Land Management west of Oroville, Wash.

Yesterday, crews continued to monitor and secure the perimeter along the eastern flank of the fire and provide support in structure protection. Interior flare-ups of unburned fuels may be visible, especially at night, but pose little danger of spread. To the south, firefighters made efforts to control existing features and had support from aircraft on the interior of the fire. On the western perimeter, Rogue River Interagency Hotshots worked to establish direct line south of the Similkameen River.

Today, on the eastern and southern perimeter crews will repair dozer lines and make further evaluation of needed repairs. To the northwest, hand crews and Rogue River Interagency Hotshots will make continued efforts to establish direct line to Similkameen River. Fire personnel will be patrolling the Canadian border on established dozer line for fire monitoring.  Throughout night operations, fire personnel will continue to grade roads, control established line, and respond to calls.

WEATHER:  Hot dry weather is expected again today. A ridge of high pressure is slowly making its way north bringing some moisture and a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms to the region. Chances of precipitation will increase tomorrow and into the weekend bringing more clouds and potential for precipitation.  

SAFETY:   The combination of very dry fuels and low humidity has the potential for active fire behavior. It is important that everyone use caution to reduce the risk of wildfires. Make sure chains are not dragging on trailers, know what the current restrictions on burning are in effect, and do your part to reduce the risk of new fire starts.

SMOKE: The fire produced a lot of smoke yesterday, especially on the Canadian side of the border. Northern winds will persist, bringing smoke into the region. Reduced air quality is expected with fair to moderate visibility into the afternoon hours. Conditions may improve with some air mixing as temperatures rise, but smoke may settle into the interior valleys.

The British Columbia Wildfire Service is overseeing the fire on the Canadian side. For more information, please visit the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System at https://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/home.

Evacuation levels have decreased in Okanogan County, but some road closures remain in place. For up-to-date information on wildfire closures and evacuations, follow Okanogan County Emergency Management at https://okanogancounty.org/government/emergency_management/