Evacuation orders and warnings are blanketing large swaths of the Pacific Northwest this week as several major fires continue to threaten communities. Two of the most active evacuation situations involve the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, Washington, and the Tartar Fire in Washington County, Idaho — both fires exhibiting dangerous behavior and active growth potential.

Sinlahekin Fire — Okanogan County, Washington

The Sinlahekin Fire has grown to more than 117,000 acres in Okanogan County as of August 6, with only 9 percent containment. The fire ignited in late July and has steadily expanded northward, threatening rural communities, orchards, and wildland-urban interface neighborhoods between Tonasket and Oroville.

Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders are currently in effect for all areas west of the Okanogan River north toward Oroville, including Palmer Mountain and surrounding drainages. Level 2 (Be Ready) warnings extend across a broader zone to the east. Okanogan County Emergency Management is updating the active incidents page at okanogancounty.gov and urging residents to sign up for Okanogan County Alerts to receive emergency notifications.

The fire is also threatening portions of the Colville Indian Reservation, and tribal emergency management is coordinating with county and state agencies. Animal shelters have been established for livestock displaced by the evacuation orders.

Tartar Fire — Washington County, Idaho

The Tartar Fire burning just north of Weiser in Washington County, Idaho, has grown to 138,278 acres with 41 percent containment as of August 5. The fire made a dramatic run on August 2, pushing approximately 20 miles toward Weiser and impacting structures along U.S. Route 95 as hay bales and outbuildings burned along Water Tank Road.

Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders remain active for portions of Washington County north and west of Weiser. Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Tartar Fire from Great Basin Team 3 on the morning of August 5, and crews have been working to secure containment lines along the southern and eastern flanks near Olds Ferry Road.

The fire's northwestern edge has been monitored closely for potential merger with the nearby Fox Fire, which would significantly complicate suppression efforts. Aircraft support has been critical in slowing spread along the active western perimeter.

Spokane Metro Area: Evacuations Partially Lifting

In the Spokane area, some Level 3 evacuation orders issued during the catastrophic fires of August 1-2 have begun to be lifted as firefighters secure containment lines. However, large portions of the affected communities remain under active evacuation orders, and residents are being processed back into neighborhoods on a sector-by-sector basis.

Officials stress that residents should not return to evacuated areas until they receive explicit clearance from emergency management. Re-entering too early risks encountering active fire, downed power lines, compromised structures, and hampered emergency operations.

How to Stay Informed

  • Washington: Washington State Department of Natural Resources fire dashboard at dnr.wa.gov; Okanogan County Emergency Management at okanogancounty.gov
  • Oregon: Oregon Office of Emergency Management at oregon.gov/oem; local county emergency management offices
  • Idaho: Idaho Department of Lands fire information at idl.idaho.gov; Washington County Sheriff's Office
  • All regions: InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov; Watch Duty app for real-time evacuation zone mapping

Residents in fire-affected areas should maintain a go-bag with essential documents, medications, and supplies ready at all times, and have a clear plan for multiple evacuation routes. Do not wait for a Level 3 order to begin preparations — Level 2 warnings mean fires are near and conditions may change rapidly.