Multiple communities in central and eastern Washington have been placed under evacuation orders this week as fast-moving wildfires continued to spread through dry, wind-driven terrain. Three separate incidents have generated evacuation orders or warnings — affecting thousands of residents and visitors — with the most urgent situation developing near the town of Okanogan on Thursday evening.

B&O Fire: Level 3 Evacuations Near Okanogan

Emergency officials issued a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation order for areas west of Okanogan late Thursday as the newly ignited B&O Fire moved northward through Pogue Mountain. The fire grew to 2,467 acres with zero containment within hours of the Level 3 declaration, prompting the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office to open a Red Cross emergency shelter at Community Presbyterian Church.

Level 3 is the most urgent evacuation level in Washington's three-tiered system. Residents in the ordered zone must leave immediately and should not return until officials downgrade the evacuation status. Those needing transportation assistance should contact Okanogan County Emergency Management.

Ryegrass Coulee Fire: Vantage Ordered to Evacuate

Earlier this week, the entire community of Vantage on the Columbia River was placed under Level 3 evacuation orders when the fast-moving Ryegrass Coulee Fire swept through the area approximately one mile west of town. At least one home was destroyed before firefighters were able to contain the spread. The fire ultimately burned 537 acres and is now 99 percent contained.

Vantage, a small community sitting at the intersection of Interstate 90 and the Columbia River, is well known to Eastern Washington travelers. The fire's rapid approach underscored how quickly grassland fires can threaten small towns with limited escape routes. Evacuation orders for Vantage have since been lifted.

Chelan Hills Fire: Evacuations Ongoing

Multiple evacuation levels remain in effect in Douglas County as a result of the Chelan Hills Fire, which is burning approximately one mile north of Orondo near Lake Chelan. The fire, now at 9,861 acres and 95 percent contained, originally exploded during the July Fourth weekend, forcing the evacuation of residents and visitors in one of Central Washington's most popular summer recreation areas.

Officials have reassessed evacuation zones as containment has improved, but some areas remain under Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) orders as crews work to fully contain the perimeter. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office and Douglas County Emergency Management are coordinating re-entry when it is deemed safe.

Evacuation Preparedness Reminders

With multiple fires and fast-changing conditions across Eastern Washington, emergency officials urge all residents in fire-prone areas to take preparedness steps now, including:

  • Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts and local CodeRED or Everbridge notification systems
  • Know your evacuation zone level (check with your county sheriff's office or emergency management website)
  • Prepare a go-bag with medications, documents, water, and supplies for at least 72 hours
  • Pre-plan at least two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood
  • Make arrangements for livestock and pets before an emergency arises

Washington residents can find current evacuation zone maps and status updates through their county sheriff's office websites and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.