Two ‘large fires’ burn 2,600 acres of forest in Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest
Aug 29, 2022, 9:53 AM
White River Fire (Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)
(Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)
The White River and Irving Peak fires are burning 2,665 acres of forest in the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest 15 miles outside of Plain, WA, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The agency has classified them as “large fires,” per its tracker of fire events.
The fires are 1% contained as of Monday morning. The two fires threaten roughly 100 residences, although no level 3, “get out now,” evacuation notices are currently in effect.
Sunday, firefighters completed a brush-clearing operation along Little Wenatchee Road to aid in containment efforts. Crews — totaling more than 350 personnel — have constructed a fire line north and east of White River, patrolling the area. Helicopters have been deployed to keep the fire’s spread to a minimum.
Wildfire season in full swing in Washington after a mild start
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued a closure order for the White River Fire area.
The Forest Service recommends avoiding recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas.
Campfires are not allowed anywhere within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Smoke is expected to accumulate near the fire and Lake Wenatchee, moving away from the Wenatchee River valley as the day’s up winds progress.
The White River and Irving Peak fires began Aug. 11 after a lightning storm struck the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
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