Washington Wildfire Roundup: Plum Fire, Mt. Tom Creek, and B&O Fire Latest Updates

Washington state is tracking multiple wildfire incidents this week, ranging from a newly ignited grassland blaze in Lincoln County to a remote Olympic National Park fire and a nearly contained complex in Okanogan County. Officials warn that Thursday's storm system brings both the promise of rainfall and the threat of dangerous dry lightning.

Plum Fire — Lincoln County (New)

A 150-acre wildfire ignited Wednesday afternoon, July 15, near the city of Grand Coulee in Lincoln County and has been named the Plum Fire. State fire mobilization was authorized as the fire spread through wheatgrass and sagebrush, threatening homes and power lines. No evacuation orders are currently in effect, but neighboring residents should monitor emergency management alerts closely. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The fire began around 5:30 p.m. and firefighting resources were quickly mobilized, including state resources under Washington's fire mobilization plan. Dry, windy conditions in the Columbia Plateau are complicating suppression efforts.

Mt. Tom Creek Fire — Olympic National Park

The Mt. Tom Creek Fire continues to burn in a remote, high-elevation area on the west side of Olympic National Park. The fire, sparked by a lightning strike on June 23, has burned approximately 69 acres and is 27% contained as of July 13. The fire is located about six miles from the Hoh Rain Forest, but park officials confirm that all trails, the visitor center, and campgrounds remain open to the public.

Fire restrictions implemented on June 25 remain in effect throughout the affected portion of the park. Due to the fire's remote location, suppression is primarily focused on point protection and monitoring. The wet, old-growth environment of the Hoh watershed is naturally resilient, but the extended dry conditions have made even coastal forests susceptible to ignition.

B&O Fire — Okanogan County (Nearly Contained)

The B and O Fire northwest of the city of Okanogan, which burned 2,762 acres and prompted significant evacuations, is now 95% contained as of July 15. Watch Duty reports that all areas near the former Level 3 evacuation zone have been downgraded to Level 1 "Get Ready" advisory status. A Red Cross evacuation center remains open for displaced residents. Crews are working to fully mop up and patrol the perimeter before declaring the fire fully contained.

Chelan Hills Fire — Fully Contained

The Chelan Hills Fire, which sparked July 4 near Highway 97 in Douglas County and rapidly grew to approximately 9,861 acres, is now 100% contained as of July 11. The fire killed one person, destroyed homes, and forced widespread evacuations around Lake Chelan. Firefighting aircraft, including planes scooping water from Lake Chelan, played a significant role in containment efforts. Investigators say the fire started near Highway 97, and the investigation into its exact cause is ongoing.

Looking Ahead

Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove appeared on FOX 13 this week to discuss the state's wildfire preparedness, noting that Thursday's incoming weather system brings both risk and modest relief. While beneficial rainfall is expected in many areas, the potential for dry lightning strikes — particularly in north-central Washington — requires fire crews to remain at high alert through the weekend.