Multiple wildfires spark across WA after thunderstorms
Thunderstorms spark multiple wildfires across Washington
Wildland firefighters are currently battling multiple wildfires that sparked after thunderstorms swept across the region on Thursday. Meanwhile on the East Coast, wildfire smoke from Canada is dropping the air quality.
NESPELEM, Wash. - Multiple wildfires sparked across Washington on Thursday after thunderstorms swept through the region.
New fires have been reported in Franklin, Okanogan and Kittitas counties as fire officials coordinate resources to prevent the flames from spreading.
Keep reading to see where new wildfires popped up in Washington on Thursday, July 16.
Kaiser Canyon Fire
The fire posing the greatest threat right now is the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County, Washington.
The fire is burning about 2,200 acres near the town of Nespelem and growing, triggering widespread Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations.
Kaiser Canyon Fire Evacuation Map (7/17)
Here's a list of where evacuations are being ordered:
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations
- Town of Nespelem
- Agency Campas
- Cache Creek Road
- Gold Lake Road
- Owhi Lake Road
- School Loop Road
- Joe Moses Road
- West of SR 155 to the Columbia River, From Belvedere to the Columbia River Road
- Between SR 155 and Buffalo Lake Road from Rebecca Lake Road on the south to Agency on the north
- School Loop Road north on State Route 155 to Jackson Ranch
Multiple road closures are in effect, including SR 155, Buffalo Lake Road, Cache Creek Road and Columbia River Road.
Red Cross shelters are set up at the Coulee Dam High School Gym (503 Crest Drive) and Omak Long House (25 Mission Road) for evacuees. Residents are asked to evacuate north on SR 155 towards Omak.
Updates are being posted on the Okanogan County Emergency Management Facebook page. An updated evacuation map can be found online.
Cluster of wildfires in Franklin County, WA
Four different wildfires were sparked by lightning in Franklin County, Washington on Thursday, burning a combined 38,000 acres.
Lyons Ferry Fire
The Lyons Ferry, Neff Jones, Devils Canyon and Wallace Walker Fires are located near the city of Kahlotus, and are threatening homes, crops, infrastructure and a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Hatchery.
Level 3 evacuations are in effect for Lyons Ferry State Park, and Level 2 evacuations were issued near the city of Hooper. All four fires are 0% contained.
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Here's where WA wildfires are currently burning
Multiple new wildfires sparked in Washington state after thunderstorms swept through the region on Thursday, July 16.
Three Queens Fire
The Three Queens Fire is burning about 25 acres just east of Snoqualmie Pass, and was initially reported on Thursday at about 11 a.m.
It is burning northwest of Lake Kachess and between Three Queens and Hibox Mountain. It's burning on steep, rocky terrain, making it difficult for wildland firefighters to access the flames.
No evacuations are currently in effect.
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Three Queens Fire burns amid Red Flag Warning in Kittitas County, WA
The Three Queens Fire is burning just east of Snoqualmie Pass, hours after the first Red Flag Warning of the season was issued in regions across Washington state.
What's next:
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for parts of central and eastern Washington, and an upcoming stretch of dry weather is expected to significantly increase fire danger across the state.
Seattle weather will stay much less concerning, but everyone should remain wildfire aware. (FOX 13 Seattle)
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The Source: Information in this story came from press releases from the Deputy State Fire Marshal, Watch Duty, Perimiter Map