Fires Update and Weather Outlook

In Western WA, precipitation, cooler temperatures, and increased relative humidity have allowed crews to make significant progress on the 2620 Road/Jupiter Fire near Brinnon. The fire is now estimated at 403 acres and is 15% contained. Precipitation on Friday and Saturday is expected to keep fire activity low, and Good air quality is expected this weekend into next week.

In North Central WA, the Ruby and Easy Fires continue to burn along the newly reopened SR-20. Minimal growth has occurred over the past few days, however the Easy Fire remains 0% contained. The Pioneer Fire is now at 38,735 acres, only an 8 acre increase from last Sunday, witih containment at 23%. Good progress was also made on the Stayman Fire near Chelan, now at 3,118 acres burned and 42% containment. Incoming precipitation will further help to slow fire progress and smoke output. Good air quality is expected in Chelan, Stehekin, and the Methow Valley this weekend, though pockets of Moderate air quality are possible, especially with a drier forecast next week.

Fire activity and thunderstorms at the Williams Mine Fire on August 17, 2024. (Courtesy: Patrick Taylor, NW CIMT 13)

In South Central WA, the Williams Mine Fire has burned 11,764 acres and is 21% contained. Incoming precipitation should prevent further growth this weekend, and Good air quality is expected for Trout Lake and Glenwood. Latest reports from the fire indicate pockets of unburned fuels within the fire perimeter. With a warmer and drier weather in the forecast next week, increased smoke output can be expected and periods of Moderate air quality could begin as early as Tuesday. 

Smoke from the Williams Mine Fire near Mount Adams on August 17, 2024. (Courtesy: Patrick Taylor, NW CIMT 13)

The Retreat Fire is now 95% contained at 45,601 acres. Minimal smoke activity is expected from this fire moving forward.

In Northeast WA, the Upper Ruby Fire continues to burn actively in heavily forested terrain, though progress has slowed thanks to increased relative humidity in the past few days. The fire has burned 276 acres and is 0% contained. Gusty southerly winds are expected Friday evening as showers and embedded thunderstorms move north through the region. This may lead to a brief uptick in fire activity and smoke output. Smoke from the Upper Ruby Fire and fires burning in Idaho will lead to continued fluctuations in AQI from Good to Moderate.

Weather Outlook: A wetting rain is likely for much of western Washington through Saturday, the North Cascades and North Puget Sound in particular. Aside from the high terrain of far northern Washington, precipitation totals will be much less and more sporadic east of the Cascades. Friday afternoon and evening, gusty winds are expected along a line of showers and embedded thunderstorms that will move north through central and eastern Washington. This could lead to a brief uptick in fire activity, though increasing relative humidity and decreasing winds overnight should limit smoke transport. 

Friday afternoon and evening wind gust forecast. (Courtesy: NWS Spokane)

As the showers and storms push through, blowing dust may also contribute to a reduction in air quality and visibility. A Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday and includes Moses Lake, Ritzville, Spokane, and Pullman. Fire danger and smoke output will be low both Saturday and Sunday. 

Blowing dust information graphic. (Courtesy: NWS Spokane, NWS Pendleton)

Looking ahead, warmer and mostly dry conditions are expected Monday. Tuesday, west winds will increase and relative humidity will decrease east of the Cascades, elevating fire danger and potential for smoke output.