2023
2023 History
As of 10 PM January 8, 2023 the shelter in place for Brewster, WA has been lifted.
The ammonia leak has been contained and the ammonia has dissipated.
State Route 97 has re-opened
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updated 01-08-2023
A Shelter in place has been issued for those persons in the area of Brewster, Washington for an ammonia leak.
Close ALL doors, windows, and vents, DO NOT go outside and DO NOT travel.
You will be notified once it is cleared.
Peter Dan Road is now OPEN.
Some light mud and water on the roadway.
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updated as of 01/10/2023
10:41 AM
Public Works is on scene and is working to clear the roadway and hopes to have it cleared by early evening.
There will be some delays over the next few days due to equipment working in the area.
A notification will be sent out when the road is open.
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Road Closures
Peter Dan Rd.
Advisory
Peter Dan Road is blocked by mud and rocks a 1/2 mile off of State Route 155.
Use Buffalo Lake Road as a detour.
01/10/2023 Photos taken by Okanogan County Emergency Management
As of 7:30 PM Wednesday, January 18, 2023 State Route 155 is back OPEN.
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As of 4:45 PM State Route 155 at Mile Post 59 is still blocked.
Use Columbia River Road or State Route 17 as a detour.
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01/18/2023 2:55 PM
State Route 155 Desautel Pass is blocked at MP 59 due to a Semi across both lanes.
Use Columbia River Road or State Route 17 as a detour if traveling between Omak and Grand Coulee.
Estimated time of opening is approximately 2 hours (5:00 PM).
* As of May 4, 2023 Buzzard Lake Road (Arlington Ridge) is CLOSED and impassable due to mud slides at milepost 7.7. The road is CLOSED at milepost 5.5 at the cattleguard west of the Windy Hill intersection. Public Works is aware of the situation, updates will be provided when available. (Re-Opened 5/22/2023)
* As of April 27, 2023, Wolf Creek Road, Winthrop WA is impassable due to a washout at milepost 6.9 and the road is CLOSED between milepost 4.5 and 7.5. (Re-Opened 5/19/2023)
* As of May 6, 2023, Mary Ann Creek Rd, Oroville WA. is impassable and CLOSED at milepost 7.1 due to a washout. (Re-opened 5/09/2023)
* As of May 5, 2023, at 11:10 AM Department of Transportation is advising that there is water over the roadway west of the Weeman Bridge, up Highway 20, Winthrop, WA due to flooding. At this time the road is still open with signs advising about the water over the roadway. (Water gone 5/09/2023)
As of 5:00 PM today, Tuesday, June 14th the Level 1 (Advisory) has been lifted.
The Loup Loup Canyon Fire is contained and approximately 85% mopped up.
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06/13/2023
Level 1 Advisory for a Fire burning north of State Route 20, off of Loup Loup Canyon Road.
The fire is moving east.
Persons should be aware of their surrounding and take action if needed.
As of 4:30 PM today, Wednesday, June 14th the Level 1 (Advisory) has been lifted for the Spring Coulee Fire.
The fire is approximately 90% contained and 50% mopped up.
There will still be some internal smoke over the next few days.
Fire personnel will also be patrolling the perimeter over the next few days.
FINAL UPDATE
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The Spring Coulee Fire that was reported at 5:28 PM today, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 is still actively burning as of 10 PM.
It is approximately 280 acres. It is partially lined, NOT contained.
The Level 2 (Be Ready) evacuation has been reduced to Level 1 (Advisory).
DNR and local fire personnel will be on scene overnight.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 7:36 PM
At this time the winds have decreased but the fire is still a threat.
Air support and fire personnel are on scene.
Door to door notifications have been made.
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6/13/2023 6:13 PM
Level 2 Evacuation ( Be Ready)
A brush fire burning near 172 Spring Coulee Road, Okanogan.
Wind driven Fire moving fast, east towards Dry Coulee Road, Okanogan Cemetery area.
Take action if needed.
Evacuate away from Fire.
Watch for emergency Vehicles.
06/13/2023 5:51 PM
There is currently a brush fire burning near 172 Spring Coulee Road, Okanogan.
This is Wind driven Fire moving east.
Take action if needed.
Watch for emergency Vehicles.
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The Silver Star Fire held within the perimeter last night.
Resources are still on scene.
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As of 8:03 PM PM Today, June 27th, 2023 the Silver Star Fire located 6.5 miles Northwest of Tonasket WA. is approximately 200 acres.
Personnel and equipment are on scene.
NO evacuation levels have been issued.
Updates will be provided when available.
Ellemeham Mountain Road is OPEN as of 8/05/2023 8:00 AM.
Loomis - Oroville Road is OPEN as of 8/5/2023 8:00 AM.
Blue Lake Road is OPEN as of 8/5/2023 8:00 AM.
Boundary Point Road is OPEN as of 7/30/2023 7:00 PM
Shirley Road is OPEN as of 7/30/2023 7:00 PM.
With the roads open persons need to be cautious. Fire personnel and equipment are still in the area.
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Last Updated: 8/04/2023 10:05 AM
View current Incident Management Team updates on the Okanogan County Emergency Management Facebook page.
All areas of the Eagle Bluff FIre burning near Oroville, WA. are at a Level 1 Advisory.
All roads are open. Persons need to be cautious with Fire personnel and equipment in the area.
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As of 10 AM Tuesday August 1, 2023 the Eagle Bluff Fire burning near Oroville WA. is estimated at approximately 15,349 acres.
The fire is still active north of the Loomis -Oroville Road east of Nighthawk. Night crews also worked in the area near 700 Ellemeham Mountain Road last night where it was actively burning.
The Level 2 (Be Ready) evacuation level along State Route 97 from West Lake Rd to the Canadian Border and along the Loomis-Oroville Road around the Golf Course have been reduced to a Level 1 (Advisory).
Fire crews are still working on internal burns and along the perimeter.
Citizens will continue to see internal smoking and burning in the black area. There is NO need to report these.
Fire crews are aware of the smoke near the Golf Course on the ridge and there is no need to report it.
Yesterday July 31, 2023 Okanogan County PUD worked along the Loomis-Oroville Road from the Golf Course west replacing poles near the roadway, today they are still in the area replacing damaged poles off the roadway.
The Loomis – Oroville Road closure has changed, it is closed from Miners Landing to Similkameen Road near Nighthawk. We are working on getting this open but remains closed.
Blue Lake Road has OPENED. Caution fire personel still in the area.
Ellemeham Road is CLOSED at Golden Road and Wannacut Lake Road.
Boaters should be aware of helicopters dipping out of many lakes and ponds in the area and to remain clear when operations are occurring.
Even as citizens are seeing the fire activity slow around the city of Oroville, fire crews are still working internally of the fire perimeter. Citizens should be very cautious venturing out for a look. A lot of heavy equipment and fire personnel are moving up and down on the roads.
If anyone has received damage or lost structures, please call Okanogan County Emergency Management and report it at 509-422-7206
**Looking for something to do in Oroville tonight?
Enjoy a fun night out with your neighbors, Police, and First Responders to celebrate National Night Out.
This event will be at Prince Heritage Park located at 5th Ave and Highway 97 in Oroville WA. from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. For more information see Oroville Police Department Facebook page.
As of 9:43 AM on July 31, 2023 all updates are the same. The new Type 2 team is in-briefing this morning and we will update as soon as information becomes available.
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As of 6:00 PM on July 30, 2023, the Eagle Bluff Fire burning near Oroville WA. is estimated at approximately 10,000 acres with no containment.
The Fire is still very active and visible from Oroville.
The Level 3 Evacuation Levels are being reduced to a Level 2, Be Ready to Evacuate.
Boundary Point Road and Shirley Road are now OPEN.
The Loomis-Oroville Road is still CLOSED due to guardrail damage, rocks rolling off the hillside, and fire equipment and personnel on the roadway from Oroville to Nighthawk.
Blue Lake Road is CLOSED from Golden Road to Wannacut Lake.
Ellemeham Mountain Road is CLOSED at Golden Road.
The Red Cross Shelter at the Oroville High School is CLOSED due to no immediate evacuations.
If anyone has received damage or lost structures, please call Okanogan County Emergency Management and report it at 509-422-7206.
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A Level 3 Immediate Evacuation has been issued for persons living on BOTH the East and West sides of State Route 97 from Shirley Road near the border to Oroville.
Evacuate South towards Oroville.
Red Cross Shelter is at the Oroville High School.
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12:14 AM
A Level 3 Immediate Evacuation has been issued for the Eagle Bluff Fire in Oroville Wa.
The Fire has changed directions and is now moving South.
The Level 3 is for persons living on the West side of State Route 97 from Shirley Road near the border to Oroville.
Evacuate South towards Oroville.
A Shelter is set up at the Oroville High School.
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10:47 PM
As of 10:15 PM July 29th, 2023 the Eagle Bluff Fire burning near Oroville WA is estimated to be at 5000 acres within Okanogan County and has crossed into Canada.
The Fire has calmed down but is still VERY Active. Persons should still stay aware of their surroundings.
Currently there are two Level 3 areas and those effected have been notified by Law Enforcement.
DNR and Local Fire Departments from around the County will be manning the fire overnight. State Mobilization has been authorized.
There is a small power outage from the Oroville Golf Course to Nighthawk along the Loomis-Oroville Road. The Okanogan County PUD is aware.
People in need of animal shelter can go to the Tonasket Rodeo Grounds.
A Red Cross Shelter is being activated at the Oroville High School for those in need of a place to stay or you can call 206-450-8564.
Boundary Point Road is CLOSED West of State Route 97.
Blue Lake and Ellemeham Road are CLOSED West of Golden Road.
Loomis-Oroville Road is CLOSED from River Road to Enloe Dam Road.
This is the last update for tonight Saturday, July 29, 2023.
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A Level 3 Immediate Evacuation was issued for Boundary Point Road on the West side of State Route 97.
No Emergency notification was sent out due to Law Enforcement making door to door notifications to those affected.
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6:06 PM
A Level 3 Immediate Evacuation was issued on the Loomis-Oroville Road from River Street to Enloe Dam Road.
No Emergency notification was sent out due to Law Enforcement making door to door notifications to those affected.
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4:24 PM
A Level 1 Advisory has been issued for a fire burning in the area of Oroville, WA
The fire that started on Eagles Bluff Road has moved North past Blue Lake. Spot fires are being reported near Hart Rd and surrounding areas. Persons should stay clear of the area. Citizens of Oroville should be aware of their surroundings.
Be Cautious of Emergency Vehicles responding. Do NOT wait for door to door notifications, take action if needed.
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3:54 PM
A Level 2 Be Ready to Evacuate has been issued for a fire burning in the area of Blue Lake, Oroville, WA.
If evacuating, evacuate towards Oroville.
Person should be aware of their surroundings and take action if needed.
If you feel unsafe, leave now.
Be cautious of Emergency Vehicles responding.
This may be your only notice, be ready to evacuate.
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2:55 PM
A Level 1 Advisory has been issued for a fire burning in the area of 239 Eagles Bluff Road, Oroville WA.
The Fire is moving North. Persons should be aware of their surroundings and take action if needed.
Be cautious of Emergency Vehicles responding. Do NOT wait for door to door notification, take action if needed.
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7/29/2023 2:39 PM
Oroville Fire Department and DNR are responding to a fire near 239 Eagles Bluff Road.
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The Okanogan County Emergency Management webpage will be the official host page for all the burn restriction/ban information for all private property in unincorporated areas of Okanogan County.
The Fire Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from DNR, Emergency Management, Fire Chiefs, Forest Service, and the Sheriff's Office meet when necessary to discuss the burn restriction and burn ban process and fire danger levels and makes recommendations to the Okanogan County Commissioners.
A Burn Restriction will be effective from: June 15, 2023 12:01 AM (midnight) through October 15, 2023 at 12:01 AM (midnight)
- NO field/pile/rubbish/rule/slash/yard vegetation or non-emergent agricultural burning on private lands within Okanogan County.
- Recreational Fires ALLOWED (see definition below)
- When high fire conditions become present a County Wide BURN BAN will be implemented prohibiting ALL outdoor burning, including recreational fires.
View Okanogan County Resolution 061-2023
This resolution does not apply to areas within city limits, silvicultural burning on lands regulated solely by DNR’s outdoor burning rules and regulations, fire in DNR recreation sites and campgrounds, or on U.S. Forest Service protected lands and within the Colville Reservation. The DNR, U.S. Forest Service and Colville Tribes may have similar burn restrictions/bans in effect. Some private parcels may also have DNR restrictions if it includes a DNR Fire Tax Assessment. This can be found on County tax statements.
The Burn Restriction is activated by a set date, but may be implemented earlier or extended
due to conditions.
The burn restriction prohibits ALL field/pile/rubbish/rule/slash/yard vegetation and non-emergent agricultural burning on private lands within the unincorporated areas of Okanogan County reducing the risk of wildfires.
Recreational Fires are ALLOWED during a burn restriction if used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes and the fuel being burned is other than rubbish. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are NOT considered recreational fires.
Recreational Fire Definition:
Recreational fires must be contained in a concrete, rock, or steel ring (made from non-combustible material), no larger than 3 feet in diameter and no less than 8 inches in height. The fire (flames) shall be no higher than 2 feet and not conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Recreational fires SHALL be attended to at all times.
(DNR burning restrictions may apply to your private property if you are assessed a DNR Fire Control tax. This can be found on your county tax statement).
The Burn Ban is implemented when High Fire Conditions exist prohibiting ALL outdoor burning including recreational fires and when rescinded will revert back to a Burn Restriction.
Emergency Agricultural Permit Burning:
The Tri-County Pest Control Agent may issue an Okanogan County Agricultural burn permit after a site inspection and obtain a signature from the property owner/orchardist on said permit, having them accept full responsibility to comply with all conditions of the permit.
Property owners/orchardists needing to burn fire blight trees shall contact the Tri-County Pest Control Office at (509-667-6827 or 509-393-0975) to obtain an Okanogan County Agricultural Burn Permit before burning.
Property owners issued an Okanogan County Agricultural Burn Permit shall call the Okanogan County Sheriff Dispatch at 509-422-7232 option #4 before conducting any burning, and have on-site sufficient water supply and fire tools to man the burn at all times until fire is fully extinguished. The permit shall be onsite and available to authorities during the agricultural burn.
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On the Colville Reservation contact Mt. Tolman Fire Center for burning rules/restrictions, 509-634-3100.
Visit the DNR Website for their fire danger and outdoor burning restrictions for lands managed by DNR.
(DNR burning restrictions may apply to your private property if you are assessed a DNR Fire Control tax. This can be found on your county tax statement).
Visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest or the Colville National Forest Websites for fire danger and outdoor burning restrictions for lands managed by the Forest Service.
For Air Quality burn bans go to DOE and climate information.
Fireworks are Illegal in unincorporated areas of the county. County Code
If you do see a wildfire call 911 or Okanogan County Sheriff's Dispatch at 509-422-7232 option 4.
REMEMBER when reporting a wildfire Location, Location, Location, know your surroundings.
DNR 1-800-323-BURN(2876)
https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/
U.S. Forest Service Tonasket Ranger District 509-486-2186
U.S. Forest Service Methow Valley Ranger District 509-996-4003
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600
Colville Confederated Tribes (Mt. Tolman) 509-634-3100
https://www.colvilletribes.com/mt-tolman-fire-control
A Canadian Fire named Crater Creek is advancing into Okanogan County in the general area between SnowShow Mountain and Hurley Peak.
Okanogan County Emergency Mangement is monitoring the fire and in contact with DNR, US Forest Service, and the Loomis Fire Department.
The winds pushing this fire are out of the North Northwest and are predicted to continue through Sunday afternoon.
Persons should check the DNR and USFS websites for area closures.
Persons living in the area of Chopaka Valley, Toats Coulee, and Loomis should be aware of their surroundings and take action early, if needed.
Okanogan County Emergency Management will update as information is available.