Local News

Afternoon Fire Update

Jul 18, 2014

Level 3 Evacuations are now in effect for B&O Road in Malott.

***Red Cross Shelters for evacuees include:

? Omak Fellowship Church, Twisp Grange, Chelan High School – (509) 663-3907
The Carlton Complex fires started on July 14, by lightning from a weather system that moved through the
Methow Valley. The fires are burning in timber and grass. Cooperating agencies include the U.S. Forest Service
(USFS), Washington State Department of Natural Resources, (WA DNR), Bureau of Land Management, WA
Department of Fish & Wildlife, Okanogan Fire District 6, Okanogan Fire District 15 and the Okanogan County
Sheriff’s Office. As of late last, approximately 167,713 acres have been burned.
Yesterday was another challenging day for fire crews. Hot weather and windy conditions pushed the fire over
the ridge tops and into the town of Pateros resulting in a large number of evacuations. An estimated 300-500
homes were evacuated including the Pateros Red Cross shelter. The Red Cross Shelter has been moved to the
town of Omak. Displaced public can make contact with the Omak Red Cross Shelter at (509) 663-3907. Two
additional shelters have also been opened in Twisp and Chelan. The town of Pateros is at a Level 3 Evacuation
Notice. The Okanogan Sheriff’s Office reports 83 primary structures have been confirmed lost.

Firefighters with Fire District 6 and 15 have been working closely with the WA Incident Management Team on
protection of their communities. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority.

Today, structure protection crews will focus efforts in the town of Brewster patrolling and monitoring around
structures. Firefighters are working with property owners to help reduce vegetation and remove debris. A
command post has been set up in the area with Okanogan, Douglas, Chelan, and Grant County Emergency
Management. Additional state mobilization resources have been requested for structure protection. Increased
evacuations are in place for both Pateros and Brewster, but exact locations have been difficult to determine due
to the fluid situation and rapid fire growth.

Highway Closures:
Multiple road closures are in effect. Due to the fire situation, highway closures could change very quickly. As
of 11:30 am, Hwy 97 from Brewster to Pateros. Hwy 97 from Chelan to Pateros is closed. Portions of Hwy 20
and Hwy 153 are being closed intermittently. You can contact the “511” automated Washington Department
of Transportation Travel Information line for updated information.

Forest Service Trail Closures: Due to the changing fire situation, the following trails have been closed by the
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest – Middle Fork Ridge #418, Foggy Dew #417, Martin Creek #429, Eagle
Lake #431, Crater Creek #416.
Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office Evacuation Levels:

LEVEL 1: Persons are warned that current or projected threats from hazards associated with the approaching
fires are severe. This is the time to prepare.

LEVEL 2: Conditions indicate a good probability that hazards associated with the approaching fires will
severely limit our ability to provide emergency service protection. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s
notice. This may be the only notice that you receive.

LEVEL 3: Current conditions present specific and immediate threats to the life and safety of persons within
this area. You are advised to evacuate immediately.