Washington State is grappling with one of the most active early-July fire stretches in recent memory, with five large fires burning across central and eastern Washington as of July 10. New fires continue to ignite under dangerous hot, dry, and windy conditions, and interagency resources are stretched thin across the region.
B&O Fire — Near Okanogan (NEW)
The newest and most urgent fire in the state, the B&O Fire, broke out approximately one mile southwest of Okanogan and had burned 2,467 acres with zero containment as of the latest report. The fire prompted Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for areas west of Okanogan as the blaze moved north through Pogue Mountain terrain. A Red Cross emergency shelter was opened at Community Presbyterian Church. Residents in affected zones are urged to leave immediately and not wait for further notice.
Chelan Hills Fire — Near Orondo
The Chelan Hills Fire, burning approximately one mile north of Orondo in Douglas County, has grown to 9,861 acres and reached 95 percent containment as of July 10. The fire ignited during the July Fourth weekend and drew significant firefighting resources, including multiple air tankers, as it threatened homes and infrastructure near Lake Chelan. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place for portions of the affected area, though crews have made strong progress in recent days. No major injuries have been reported.
Ryegrass Coulee Fire — Near Vantage
The Ryegrass Coulee Fire, burning approximately one mile west of the small Columbia River town of Vantage, is now 99 percent contained after burning 537 acres. The fire made headlines earlier this week when it prompted Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for the entire community of Vantage and burned at least one home before crews could gain the upper hand. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office coordinated the evacuation. Residents are cautioned that even near-contained fires can flare in extreme heat.
Navarre Coulee Fire — Near Lake Chelan
The Navarre Coulee Fire is burning eight miles southwest of Chelan and is 80 percent contained at 845 acres. This fire has been managed concurrently with the Chelan Hills incident and shares some of the same geographic and resource challenges. Firefighters have worked to protect structures and keep the fire from spreading toward more populated areas of the Chelan Valley.
HWY 97 MP 43 Fire — Near Toppenish (NEW)
A new fire along Highway 97 near milepost 43 — approximately ten miles southwest of Toppenish — was reported on the Yakama Agency with BIA jurisdiction. The fire is listed at 300 acres with zero containment and was among the new incidents flagged by NIFC on July 10. Its proximity to Highway 97 and agricultural lands raises concern for rapid spread.
Outlook
The National Weather Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources have warned that critical fire weather conditions — including low humidity, gusty winds, and above-normal temperatures — are expected to continue across central and eastern Washington through this weekend. Residents east of the Cascades are strongly urged to have evacuation plans ready and to monitor emergency alerts through local sheriff offices and Washington Emergency Management Division.