Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 100% contained
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

The Fresno Fire is 100% contained. Crews will return tomorrow to check on heat sources before turning it back over to the locals to monitor.  

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 90% contained
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

Crews have returned to the fire and are engaged in patrolling and mopping up hot spots along the fire perimeter.  

Fire Weather: A few passing showers will be possible near the fire site early this morning, otherwise expect dry weather for the rest of today
and tonight. Temperatures will not be as hot as yesterday with a high today around 95 and a low tonight near 68. Humidity values will fall to 23 to 25 percent this afternoon and again tomorrow afternoon with 20 ft winds increasing to near 15 mph out of the ESE and falling below 10 mph after sunset.

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 90% contained.
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

Crews made significant progress on fire suppression. Minimal smokes were found on the fire today. Crews will return tomorrow to patrol and mop up any hot spots close to the fire perimeter.  

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 50% contained.
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

Crews will continue constructing, patrolling, and mopping up along containment lines. Aerial resources will be utilized when available. 
 
Fire Weather: High temperature will top out near 100 degrees this afternoon. Winds will shift out of the southeast this morning with speeds increasing up to 15 mph in the afternoon. Expect dry conditions for most of the day with humidity falling to around 15 percent. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible mainly later this evening into the overnight hours. Storms could produce gusty outflow winds. Similar conditions are expected tomorrow, although a few degrees cooler and a slight increase in relative humidity.

Fresno Fire: 277 acres, 50% contained. Decrease in acreage due to better mapping.
Location: approximately 15 miles west of Sanderson, Texas

 Fire was active in the canyons today. SEATs were very effective with retardant drops and holding the fire in check by cooling hot spots. Ground crews scouted areas in the canyons to gain better access to construct containment lines. Crews will return tomorrow to continue constructing, patrolling, and mopping up along containment lines.

  THIS WILL BE THE LAST UPDATE

The fire is completely lined and firefighters are now focusing on holding and improving their lines and eliminating any remaining heat within 200 feet of the fire's edge or within 300 feet of structures. Breezy conditions yesterday (Friday) afternoon did not create any problems, giving firefighters confidence their existing lines are adequate for containment. A significant wind event is expected later today, which could raise the chances of new starts in the area. There will also be a Red Flag warning from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The public is urged to use extreme caution and to be vigilant as this will bring elevated fire danger to Eastern Washington.

Some members of the public have expressed uncertainty as to whether sifting through ashes is safe or prudent. Agitating dry ash can throw tiny particles of burned material into the air, which are easily inhaled. Any burned material, even organic material like wood and plants, contains carcinogens that are hazardous to your health. If you sift any ash, it is highly recommended that you wear a mask, just as you would if you were working with paint, varnish, cement, or other potentially hazardous chemicals.

Okanogan County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Department are coordinating with fire personnel regularly to assess the status of evacuation levels.

Level 3 Evacuations - GO (leave immediately):
- From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-Area to the south of Ellenmeham Rd to Ellis Barnes Rd
-Area to the west of Wannacut Lake Rd. to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd.
-Any area in the burn perimeter

Firefighters and staff on the Palmer Fire would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support from the public. Local community members opened up their schools, helped to run the base camp, and did everything else they could to help us establish and execute a strong and effective firefighting operation. Your service to firefighters allowed us to serve you. Thank you.

Fire at a Glance
 
Size: 17,988
Containment: 84%
Location: East of Palmer Lake and Northeast of Loomis, WA. West of Highway 97
Cause: Unknown
Total Assigned Personnel: 349
 
Assigned Resources:
Type 2 Crews – 9
Engines – 18
Water Tenders – 8
Dozers – 3

Closures:
-Wannacut Lake Rd. at Ellemeham Mountain Rd.
-Blue Lake Rd. at Lake Front Rd.
-Washburn Lake Rd. at Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-Ellemeham Mtn Rd. to Ellis Barnes Rd.

FIRE INFORMATION:
509-906-8801
Staffed 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
*TODAY WILL BE THE FINAL DAY FOR THIS NUMBER*

Email:
2020.palmer@firenet.gov

Facebook:
Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management

Interactive Evacuation Map:
https://arcg.is/1TP4WO0

 Level 2 Evacuations have been lifted.  Level 3 Evacuations remain in place.

As fire behavior continues to decrease, crews are increasing their mop-up efforts. The goal is to create a secure 200-foot perimeter around the fire's edge before turning the fire over to local resources. Interior pockets of unburned fuel will continue to burn, creating visible but benign smoke for some time. Higher winds today and Saturday may impact firefighting efforts or increase the chances of new starts. These winds will also allow firefighters to test and ensure the efficacy of their contingency lines.

COVID-19 mitigation procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of both firefighters and the community. All fire personnel are required to follow CDC guidelines like keeping groups separated, using face masks whenever feasible, and mandatory daily temperature checks. Contingency plans are also in place in case a firefighter or management team member shows any symptoms. In addition, Okanogan County Emergency Management is offering free COVID testing to all fire personnel.

Okanogan County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Department are coordinating with fire personnel regularly to assess the status of evacuation levels.

All level 2 Evacuations have been lifted and all of Loomis-Oroville Rd. is now open.

Level 3 Evacuations - GO (leave immediately)
- From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-Area to the south of Ellenmeham Rd to Ellis Barnes Rd
-Area to the west of Wannacut Lake Rd. to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd.
-Any area in the burn perimeter

Level 1 Advisory – READY (get ready to leave):
-From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd southeast along the ridgetop to Bull Frog Mountain.
-From Bull Frog Mountain southwest to Split Rock Day Use area.
-From Spilt Rock Day Use Area north on Loomis-Oroville Rd to the intersection of Alemandi Rd.
-Town of Loomis
-South of the burn perimeter to lower Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-West of Wannacut Lake Rd to the burn area
-East of Wannacut Lake Rd to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd
-South of Ellis Barnes Rd to the intersection with Ellenmeham Mtn Rd.
-Area to the east and north of Ellenmeham Rd

 Palmer Fire FAQ 8/26/20
 
Q: How many structures were lost? How many primary residences and how many outbuildings?
A: We don't have an updated number of structures lost or a breakdown of houses versus outbuildings as of right now.  The area is still being assessed for that.
 
Q: Was there any animal mortality as a result of the Palmer Fire?
A: There are some cattle that are still being accounted for, but no deaths have been reported as of Tuesday evening, August 25, 2020.  Wildlife losses are not typically tracked during a wildfire unless they occur in large groupings.
 
Q: How and where did the fire start?
A: The cause of the Palmer Fire is unknown.  The fire investigation is being done by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  When they release their findings, that information will be shared.

Q: Is this area declared a disaster area by the state?
A: The Palmer Fire itself has not been declared a disaster area.  Governor Inslee declared a State of Emergency for Washington due to wildfires on August 19, 2020.  It is in effect until September 30, 2020.  A link to the proclamation can be found here:https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-68%20Wildfires%20%28tmp%29.pdf
 
Q: How long will the evacuation levels and road closures be in place?  When can I access the area inside the Palmer Fire perimeter?
A: Residents can look up their specific address online to see which level of evacuation applies. 
Here is the link:https://demokanogan.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=d0932c342e6448bcbcf99f3cb4344636&extent=-122.3587,47.6773,-117.0852,49.3438

It will be up to the Okanogan County Emergency Manager and Sheriff to determine when evacuation levels and road closures will change.  They work closely with fire personnel to determine when it is safe to return, particularly inside the fire perimeter. Crews will be assessing heat around structures in the fire area with handheld/palm infrared readers to help determine when to recommend any change to the evacuation levels and allow people to return.

Q: I lost my house or had property damage. Who do I contact?
A: First, it is recommended to contact your insurer.  Okanogan County Emergency Management (509-422-7206) and the local Red Cross (509-670-5331) also have lists of resources.

Palmer Fire InformationPhone: 509-906-8801 | Email: 2020.palmer@firenet.gov
 

Fire behavior has decreased significantly, and crews are now engaged in mop-up and enlarging safety circles around structures in the burn area.  Some resources are being released from the incident to support other wildfires as objectives are met.  The current strategy is to hold and secure the fire, as no significant growth or movement is expected.  
 
A live virtual public meeting was held last evening on the Okanogan County Emergency Management Facebook page. The meeting allowed various members of the Incident Management Team and cooperating agencies to present the latest information about the fire and affected areas.  You can view a recording of the meeting on the department's Facebook page listed below. Okanogan County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Department are coordinating with fire personnel regularly to assess the status of evacuation levels. All road closures remain in place.
 
Level 3 Evacuations - GO (leave immediately)
- From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd.
-Area to the south of Ellenmeham Rd to Ellis Barnes Rd 
-Area to the west of Wannacut Lake Rd. to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd. 
-Any area in the burn perimeter

Level 2 Evacuations - SET (be set to evacuate): 
-From the intersection of Alemandi Rd and Loomis-Oroville Rd southeast along the ridgetop to Bull Frog Mountain.  
-From Bull Frog Mountain southwest to Split Rock Day Use area. 
-From Spilt Rock Day Use Area north on Loomis-Oroville Rd to the intersection of Alemandi Rd. 

Level 1 Advisory – READY (get ready to leave):
-Town of Loomis-South of the burn perimeter to lower Loomis-Oroville Rd. 
-West of Wannacut Lake Rd to the burn area-East of Wannacut Lake Rd to the intersection with Ellis Barnes Rd
-South of Ellis Barnes Rd to the intersection with Ellenmeham Mtn Rd. 
-Area to the east and north of Ellenmeham Rd. 

Please contact the Red Cross at 509-670-5331 for assistance if you have been evacuated. For information on livestock evacuations, please contact Roger Sawyer at 509-429-8036. 

Fire at a Glance
Size:  17,735
Containment: 57%
Location: East of Palmer Lake and Northeast of Loomis, WA. West of Highway 97
Cause: Unknown
Total Assigned Personnel: 579
Assigned Resources:
Type 1 Crews - 1
Type 2 Crews – 7
Engines – 79
Water Tenders – 21
Dozers –  6

Road Closures: -Wannacut Lake Rd. at Ellemeham Mountain Rd.
-Blue Lake Rd. at Lake Front Rd.
-Washburn Lake Rd. at Loomis-Oroville Rd. 
-Ellemeham Mtn Rd. to Ellis Barnes Rd.
-Loomis-Oroville Rd. at Toats Coulee to Chopaka Rd.

FIRE INFORMATION:509-906-8801
Staffed 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Email: 2020.palmer@firenet.gov
Facebook: Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management
Interactive Evacuation Map: https://arcg.is/1TP4WO0
InciWeb:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7029/