Residents who fled two of Eastern Washington's most active wildfires this month got welcome news this week as fire officials lifted or downgraded evacuation orders for both the Kartar Fire near Omak and the Upriver Fire in Spokane Valley.

Kartar Fire Evacuations Fully Lifted

Officials confirmed Tuesday morning that all evacuation orders for the Kartar Fire have been lifted. At its peak, the fire had placed scores of homes along Columbia River Road, Kartar Valley Road, and Omak Lake Road under Level 3 "Leave Now" notices — the most urgent evacuation level. The fire burned 11,679 acres of grass, brush, and timber in Okanogan County before crews brought it to 80% containment. Several roads in the Kartar Valley area remain closed while firefighters complete mop-up and monitor lingering hot spots. Residents returning home are advised to contact local authorities before re-entering affected areas to confirm road and utility access.

Upriver Fire Evacuations Downgraded

The Upriver Fire, which ignited on June 16 near Camp Sekani in Spokane Valley and rapidly destroyed 14 homes, reached 85% containment by June 22. Evacuation levels for neighborhoods north of East Upriver Drive and parts of Camp Sekani Park were reduced to Level 1 "Be Ready," allowing most residents to return. The Spokane community rallied during the crisis, with faith organizations across the city opening their doors as Red Cross emergency shelters, supporting approximately 1,500 evacuated residents with food, shelter, and supplies.

A Reminder: Heed Evacuation Orders

The Upriver Fire underscored the life-threatening risks of refusing to evacuate. Possible human remains were discovered at a property where a resident was believed to have sheltered in place despite Level 3 orders. Emergency managers across the Northwest are renewing calls for residents to take all evacuation notices seriously.

  • Level 1 — Be Ready: Be aware, monitor news, prepare go-bags
  • Level 2 — Be Set: Be prepared to leave on short notice
  • Level 3 — Leave Now: Immediate danger — evacuate immediately

Residents in fire-prone areas are encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts through their county sheriff or emergency management office to receive real-time evacuation notifications.