Hamilton Fire forces Winthrop evacuation before crews stop its progression
Jun 29, 2026, 7:54 AM
A photo taken June, 28, 2026 at 8 p.m. of Hamilton Ranch Loop Road looking east. (Photo courtesy of Okanogan County Emergency Management)
(Photo courtesy of Okanogan County Emergency Management)
Crews are fighting a fast-moving wildfire near Winthrop in Okanogan County.
The Hamilton fire broke out Sunday morning at approximately 9 a.m., just west of town, burning grass and brush. Strong winds pushed the flames east, forcing an immediate evacuation of downtown Winthrop.
Update: the whole town of Winthrop is now under level 3 evacuation!
— District 6 PIO (@wspd6pio) June 28, 2026
By 10 p.m. Sunday, after the fire’s progression was stopped, fire officials reduced evacuation levels for areas impacted by the wildfire near Winthrop. All Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders were downgraded to Level 2 “Be Ready,” while all Level 2 evacuations were reduced to Level 1 “Advisory,” according to the Okanogan County Emergency Management.
“Thinking of the people in Winthrop, and appreciate the work of first responders,” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson wrote on X. “Please follow evacuation directions and be safe.”
Thinking of the people in Winthrop, and appreciate the work of first responders. Please follow evacuation directions and be safe. https://t.co/KJDXwVUtjW
— Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) June 28, 2026
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said the fire also shut down Highway 20 in both directions, but it reopened by Sunday afternoon.
The fire has grown to nearly 83 acres and remains 0% contained as of this reporting.
The Red Cross opened an evacuation center at the Methow Valley Community Center.
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
