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TONASKET, Wash. August 6, 2023 –No growth occurred over the last twenty four hours and crews continue to secure lines, assess and complete repairs, analyze infrared data to verify completed work, and locate any remaining hot spots. The fire is now 70 percent contained. The fire footprint is on lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Spokane District—Bureau of Land Management west of Oroville, Wash.

Yesterday, during night shift operations, fire personnel performed patrols of the fire perimeter responding to minimal fire activity. During the day on the western portion, repair work was completed. With the use of handheld infrared cameras, specialized tools used to detect heat, crews were able to view thermal images around structures to look for hot spots.  To the south of the fire perimeter, crews focused on repair work and identified heat pockets. On the eastern flank dozer line repair work continued with patrols along the border.

Today, on the southern perimeter hand crews will focus on containment lines. On the east, firefighters remain centered around gaining depth on mop up operations and structure protection. Teams to the west will mop up and patrol along Loomis Oroville Road and north towards Nighthawk crossing.

WEATHER:  A flood watch has been issued from 10AM today through Monday evening for Okanogan and the surrounding counties. The monsoonal moisture that has been to our south arrives today increasing the potential for thunderstorm development, especially on ridgetops. Winds may be strong at times with erratic gusts up to 40 mph, and heavy downpours are possible. An increase in moisture and rising temperatures along with terrain driven lift, has the potential for development of additional isolated thunderstorms, small hail development, and raises concerns for localized flooding and debris flow in the burn scar.

SMOKE: Increased smoke production is expected as gusty winds reach surface fuels. Some smoldering of fuels inside the fire perimeter may contribute to smoke production ahead of any precipitation over the fire area.  Moderate air quality is forecast today.

SAFETY:   All areas of the fire are now at a Level 1 Advisory and all roads are open. Crews continue to patrol the perimeter of the fire. Please use caution as fire personnel and equipment remain active in the area.  

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/