Level 2 Evacuations have been lifted.  Level 3 Evacuations remain in place.

As fire behavior continues to decrease, crews are increasing their mop-up efforts. The goal is to create a secure 200-foot perimeter around the fire's edge before turning the fire over to local resources. Interior pockets of unburned fuel will continue to burn, creating visible but benign smoke for some time. Higher winds today and Saturday may impact firefighting efforts or increase the chances of new starts. These winds will also allow firefighters to test and ensure the efficacy of their contingency lines.

COVID-19 mitigation procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of both firefighters and the community. All fire personnel are required to follow CDC guidelines like keeping groups separated, using face masks whenever feasible, and mandatory daily temperature checks. Contingency plans are also in place in case a firefighter or management team member shows any symptoms. In addition, Okanogan County Emergency Management is offering free COVID testing to all fire personnel.

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

All level 2 Evacuations have been lifted and all of Loomis-Oroville Rd. is now open.

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

Level 1 Advisory – READY (get ready to leave):
-From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd southeast along the ridgetop to Bull Frog Mountain.
-From Bull Frog Mountain southwest to Split Rock Day Use area.
-From Spilt Rock Day Use Area north on Loomis-Oroville Rd to the intersection of Alemandi Rd.
-Town of Loomis
-South of the burn perimeter to lower Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-West of Wannacut Lake Rd to the burn area
-East of Wannacut Lake Rd to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd
-South of Ellis Barnes Rd to the intersection with Ellenmeham Mtn Rd.
-Area to the east and north of Ellenmeham Rd

 Palmer Fire FAQ 8/26/20
 
Q: How many structures were lost? How many primary residences and how many outbuildings?
A: We don't have an updated number of structures lost or a breakdown of houses versus outbuildings as of right now.  The area is still being assessed for that.
 
Q: Was there any animal mortality as a result of the Palmer Fire?
A: There are some cattle that are still being accounted for, but no deaths have been reported as of Tuesday evening, August 25, 2020.  Wildlife losses are not typically tracked during a wildfire unless they occur in large groupings.
 
Q: How and where did the fire start?
A: The cause of the Palmer Fire is unknown.  The fire investigation is being done by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  When they release their findings, that information will be shared.

Q: Is this area declared a disaster area by the state?
A: The Palmer Fire itself has not been declared a disaster area.  Governor Inslee declared a State of Emergency for Washington due to wildfires on August 19, 2020.  It is in effect until September 30, 2020.  A link to the proclamation can be found here:https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-68%20Wildfires%20%28tmp%29.pdf
 
Q: How long will the evacuation levels and road closures be in place?  When can I access the area inside the Palmer Fire perimeter?
A: Residents can look up their specific address online to see which level of evacuation applies. 
Here is the link:https://demokanogan.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=d0932c342e6448bcbcf99f3cb4344636&extent=-122.3587,47.6773,-117.0852,49.3438

It will be up to the Okanogan County Emergency Manager and Sheriff to determine when evacuation levels and road closures will change.  They work closely with fire personnel to determine when it is safe to return, particularly inside the fire perimeter. Crews will be assessing heat around structures in the fire area with handheld/palm infrared readers to help determine when to recommend any change to the evacuation levels and allow people to return.

Q: I lost my house or had property damage. Who do I contact?
A: First, it is recommended to contact your insurer.  Okanogan County Emergency Management (509-422-7206) and the local Red Cross (509-670-5331) also have lists of resources.

Palmer Fire InformationPhone: 509-906-8801 | Email: 2020.palmer@firenet.gov
 

Fire behavior has decreased significantly, and crews are now engaged in mop-up and enlarging safety circles around structures in the burn area.  Some resources are being released from the incident to support other wildfires as objectives are met.  The current strategy is to hold and secure the fire, as no significant growth or movement is expected.  
 
A live virtual public meeting was held last evening on the Okanogan County Emergency Management Facebook page. The meeting allowed various members of the Incident Management Team and cooperating agencies to present the latest information about the fire and affected areas.  You can view a recording of the meeting on the department's Facebook page listed below. Okanogan County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Department are coordinating with fire personnel regularly to assess the status of evacuation levels. All road closures remain in place.
 
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

Level 2 Evacuations - SET (be set to evacuate): 
-From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd southeast along the ridgetop to Bull Frog Mountain.  
-From Bull Frog Mountain southwest to Split Rock Day Use area. 
-From Spilt Rock Day Use Area north on Loomis-Oroville Rd to the intersection of Alemandi Rd. 

Level 1 Advisory – READY (get ready to leave):
-Town of Loomis-South of the burn perimeter to lower Loomis-Oroville Rd. 
-West of Wannacut Lake Rd to the burn area-East of Wannacut Lake Rd to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd
-South of Ellis Barnes Rd to the intersection with Ellenmeham Mtn Rd. 
-Area to the east and north of Ellenmeham Rd. 

Please contact the Red Cross at 509-670-5331 for assistance if you have been evacuated. For information on livestock evacuations, please contact Roger Sawyer at 509-429-8036. 

Fire at a Glance
Size:  17,735
Containment: 57%
Location: East of Palmer Lake and Northeast of Loomis, WA. West of Highway 97
Cause: Unknown
Total Assigned Personnel: 579
Assigned Resources:
Type 1 Crews - 1
Type 2 Crews – 7
Engines – 79
Water Tenders – 21
Dozers –  6

Road 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.
-Loomis-Oroville Rd. at Toats Coulee to Chopaka Rd.

FIRE INFORMATION:509-906-8801
Staffed 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Email: 2020.palmer@firenet.gov
Facebook: Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management
Interactive Evacuation Map: https://arcg.is/1TP4WO0
InciWeb:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7029/

Yesterday, a cold front blew over the fire area bringing gusty winds that tested fire lines. Luckily, all contingency lines held strong and the fire didn’t exhibit any major growth. Now, the focus will shift from suppression to improving existing contingency line and mopping up hot spots. Firefighters will also work to secure a no-heat radius of 300 feet around structures in the fire area. No future burn-out operations are anticipated if conditions remain the same. Decreased acres are due to improved mapping of the fire perimeter. 
 
A virtual public meeting will be held tonight at 6:00-6:45 PM on the Okanogan County Emergency Management Facebook live.
The meeting will include short presentations from the Incident Management Team and the opportunity to ask questions. Questions can be submitted in advance to 2020.palmer@firenet.gov. 
 
Okanogan County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Department are coordinating with fire personnel regularly to assess the status of evacuation levels. All road closures remain in place.
 
Please note: Some evacuation levels have been lifted or changed:
 
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
 
Level 2 Evacuations - SET (be set to evacuate):
-From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd southeast along the ridgetop to Bull Frog Mountain. 
-From Bull Frog Mountain southwest to Split Rock Day Use area.
-From Spilt Rock Day Use Area north on Loomis-Oroville Rd to the intersection of Alemandi Rd. 
 
Level 1 Advisory – READY (get ready to leave):
-Town of Loomis
-South of the burn perimeter to lower Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-West of Wannacut Lake Rd to the burn area
-East of Wannacut Lake Rd to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd-South of Ellis Barnes Rd to the intersection with Ellenmeham Mtn Rd.
-Area to the east and north of Ellenmeham Rd. 
 
Please contact the Red Cross at 509-670-5331 for assistance if you have been evacuated. For information on livestock evacuations, please contact Roger Sawyer at 509-429-8036.

Fire at a Glance
Size:  17,735
Containment: 49%
Location: East of Palmer Lake and Northeast of Loomis, WA. West of Highway 97
Cause: Unknown
Total Assigned Personnel: 606
Assigned Resources:
 Type 1 Crews - 2
 Type 2 Crews – 7
 Aircraft – 3
 Engines – 68
 Water Tenders – 21
 Dozers –  8
 
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.
 -Loomis-Oroville Rd. at Toats Coulee to Chopaka Rd.
 
FIRE INFORMATION:509-906-8801
Staffed 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
 
Email: 2020.palmer@firenet.gov
 
Facebook: Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management
 
Interactive Evacuation Map: https://arcg.is/1TP4WO0
 
InciWeb:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7029/
 

Firefighters made significant progress yesterday. Burn-out operations continued in the vicinity of Loomis. Airtankers dropped retardant north of town helping to further secure the area. Burn-outs using aerial ignition also took place on the northern perimeter of the fire near Bull Frog Mountain. Team liaisons and incident commanders have worked with ranchers to preserve the integrity of grazing lands while aggressively fighting the fire. For the next few days, the focus will shift to mop-up and securing a 300 foot radius around structures in the fire area. 
 
 A virtual public meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 25th at 6:00-6:45 PM on the Okanogan County Emergency Management Facebook live. The meeting will include short presentations from the Incident Management Team and the opportunity to ask questions. Questions can be submitted in advance to 2020.palmer@firenet.gov. 
 
 All previous evacuation levels remain in place.
 
 Level 3 Evacuations - GO! (evacuate now, leave immediately):  -Wannacut Lake Road (East) from Washburn to Ellemeham Mtn Road.-Toats Coulee Road to Chopaka Road, along the Loomis-Oroville Road
 
 Level 2 Evacuations - SET (be set to evacuate): -Ellemeham Mtn Road from Ellis Barns Road to Loomis-Oroville Road-Town of Loomis
 
Okanogan County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Department are coordinating with fire personnel regularly to assess the status of evacuation levels. 
 
The public is asked to help fire personnel by obeying all road and Level 3 evacuation area closures for their safety and the safety of those working in the region.
 
Please contact the Red Cross at 509-670-5331 for assistance if you have been evacuated. For information on livestock evacuations, please contact Roger Sawyer at 509-429-8036.

Fire at a Glance
Size:  18,077
Containment: 27%
Location: East of Palmer Lake and Northeast of Loomis, WA. West of Highway 97
Cause: Unknown
Total Assigned Personnel: 517
Assigned Resources:
Type 1 Crews - 2
Type 2 Crews – 8
Aircraft – 6
Engines – 58
Water Tenders – 18
Dozers –  9
 
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.
-Loomis-Oroville Rd. at Toats Coulee to Chopaka Rd.
 
FIRE INFORMATION:509-906-8801
Staffed 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
 
Email:
 2020.palmer@firenet.gov
 
Facebook:
Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management
 
Interactive Evacuation Map:
 https://arcg.is/1TP4WO0
 
InciWeb:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7029/
 

Palmer Fire 
Virtual Public Meeting
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
6:00pm - 6:45pm 

Okanogan County Emergency Management Facebook Live Event 
https://www.facebook.com/Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management 

Email questions in advance to 2020.palmer@firenet.gov
or use the Facebook comments section during the event.

Palmer Fire Daily Update 8/23/20

Okanogan County Emergency Management 

 Level 3 IMMEDIATE EVACUATION: 
-Wannacut Lake Road (East) from Washburn to Ellemeham Mtn Road.
 -Toats Coulee Road to Chopaka Road, along the Loomis-Oroville Road

Level 2 GET READY TO LEAVE:  
-Ellemeham Mtn Road from Ellis Barns Road to Loomis-Oroville Road. 
 -Town of Loomis 

 For an interactive map of evacuations, please click here: https://arcg.is/151TvO1

If shelter is needed call the Red Cross at 509-670-5331 and they will assist you.

 Despite wind gusts up to 48 mph yesterday afternoon, firefighters prevented the fire from making any large gains. Operations focused on improving existing contingency lines and further expanding lines north of Washburn Road and to the east of Palmer Lake. Overnight, firefighters saw an increase in fire activity on the southwest side of the fire. Fire breached established dozer lines north of Loomis. The fire settled down after 3 AM, aided by lighter winds and cooler temperatures. As a precaution, the town of Loomis is now under a Level 2 (be ready to leave) evacuation. Today, efforts will continue to establish contingency lines around the perimeter of the fire and on structure protection. Burn-out operations may take place, which would bring an increase in smoke to the air. More aircraft have arrived and will be dropping water on the fire throughout the day.