Friday, March 29, 2024

Nespelem wildfires destroy homes, prompt evacuations

OCEM issues alerts, North Cascades Highway closed

Posted

NESPELEM – A lightning-caused wildfire that started Monday, July 12, has consumed 11,000 acres, more than a dozen structures and triggered evacuation alerts continues to burn uncontained at this writing.
The Colville Tribe declared a state of emergency Tuesday evening as at least two lightning fires combined to form the Chuweah Creek/Joe Moses Road complex fire. By Wednesday morning, July 14, and earlier Level 3 evacuation alert had been downgraded to a Level 1 and 2 as additional help arrived to help contain the blaze.
Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) issued a Level 3 alert at 9:22 p.m. Tuesday night. An emergency was set up at Lake Roosevelt High School in Coulee Dam and Jess Ford in Grand Coulee served as a center for disaster supplies. Seven homes are reported to among the structures lost along with some domestic stock.
Twin Lakes alert
OCEM also issued a Level 3 evacuation at 6:22 p.m. July 13, for the Twin Lakes Development between Twisp and Winthrop but cancelled it about three hours later. Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, OCEM issued a Level 2, (be ready to evacuate) warning to residents living south of the Methow River and west of the Lost River Road, that leads to Mazama.
North Cascades Highway closed
State Route 20 North Cascades Highway is closed approximately 20 miles west of Winthrop between Silver Star and Early winters as crews battle a pair of wildfires near Mazama.


 

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