Size: 550 acres                                           Containment: 0%

 Start date: Aug. 17, 2020         Cause: Unknown          Size: Approximately 285 acres

 Start date: Aug. 17, 2020         Cause: Unknown          Size: 150+ acres

New Fire Start on SFNF: Medio Fire

Public should avoid Rio en Medio Trailhead, Nambe Reservoir

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 100% contained
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

The Fresno Fire is 100% contained. Crews will return tomorrow to check on heat sources before turning it back over to the locals to monitor.  

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 90% contained
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

Crews have returned to the fire and are engaged in patrolling and mopping up hot spots along the fire perimeter.  

Fire Weather: A few passing showers will be possible near the fire site early this morning, otherwise expect dry weather for the rest of today
and tonight. Temperatures will not be as hot as yesterday with a high today around 95 and a low tonight near 68. Humidity values will fall to 23 to 25 percent this afternoon and again tomorrow afternoon with 20 ft winds increasing to near 15 mph out of the ESE and falling below 10 mph after sunset.

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 90% contained.
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

Crews made significant progress on fire suppression. Minimal smokes were found on the fire today. Crews will return tomorrow to patrol and mop up any hot spots close to the fire perimeter.  

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 50% contained.
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

Crews will continue constructing, patrolling, and mopping up along containment lines. Aerial resources will be utilized when available. 
 
Fire Weather: High temperature will top out near 100 degrees this afternoon. Winds will shift out of the southeast this morning with speeds increasing up to 15 mph in the afternoon. Expect dry conditions for most of the day with humidity falling to around 15 percent. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible mainly later this evening into the overnight hours. Storms could produce gusty outflow winds. Similar conditions are expected tomorrow, although a few degrees cooler and a slight increase in relative humidity.

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 50% contained. Decrease in acreage due to better mapping.
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

 Fire was active in the canyons today. SEATs were very effective with retardant drops and holding the fire in check by cooling hot spots. Ground crews scouted areas in the canyons to gain better access to construct containment lines. Crews will return tomorrow to continue constructing, patrolling, and mopping up along containment lines.

  THIS WILL BE THE LAST UPDATE

The fire is completely lined and firefighters are now focusing on holding and improving their lines and eliminating any remaining heat within 200 feet of the fire's edge or within 300 feet of structures. Breezy conditions yesterday (Friday) afternoon did not create any problems, giving firefighters confidence their existing lines are adequate for containment. A significant wind event is expected later today, which could raise the chances of new starts in the area. There will also be a Red Flag warning from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The public is urged to use extreme caution and to be vigilant as this will bring elevated fire danger to Eastern Washington.

Some members of the public have expressed uncertainty as to whether sifting through ashes is safe or prudent. Agitating dry ash can throw tiny particles of burned material into the air, which are easily inhaled. Any burned material, even organic material like wood and plants, contains carcinogens that are hazardous to your health. If you sift any ash, it is highly recommended that you wear a mask, just as you would if you were working with paint, varnish, cement, or other potentially hazardous chemicals.

Okanogan County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Department are coordinating with fire personnel regularly to assess the status of evacuation levels.

Level 3 Evacuations - GO (leave immediately):
- From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-Area to the south of Ellenmeham Rd to Ellis Barnes Rd
-Area to the west of Wannacut Lake Rd. to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd.
-Any area in the burn perimeter

Firefighters and staff on the Palmer Fire would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support from the public. Local community members opened up their schools, helped to run the base camp, and did everything else they could to help us establish and execute a strong and effective firefighting operation. Your service to firefighters allowed us to serve you. Thank you.

Fire at a Glance
 
Size: 17,988
Containment: 84%
Location: East of Palmer Lake and Northeast of Loomis, WA. West of Highway 97
Cause: Unknown
Total Assigned Personnel: 349
 
Assigned Resources:
Type 2 Crews – 9
Engines – 18
Water Tenders – 8
Dozers – 3

Closures:
-Wannacut Lake Rd. at Ellemeham Mountain Rd.
-Blue Lake Rd. at Lake Front Rd.
-Washburn Lake Rd. at Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-Ellemeham Mtn Rd. to Ellis Barnes Rd.

FIRE INFORMATION:
509-906-8801
Staffed 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
*TODAY WILL BE THE FINAL DAY FOR THIS NUMBER*

Email:
2020.palmer@firenet.gov

Facebook:
Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management

Interactive Evacuation Map:
https://arcg.is/1TP4WO0