Statewide smoke update

There are a number of fires across the state causing mostly localized smoke impacts. Moving west to east:

The Bear Gulch Fire along Lake Cushman has increased to 415 acres. Smoke impacts have been minimal thanks to recent cooler weather, but communities closest to the fire should expect intermittent periods of smoke. Authorities are asking people to avoid the north end of Lake Cushman and many recreation sites are closed.

The Toonerville Fire in Belfair (currently 85 acres) has also caused minor smoke impacts to the immediate area. Evacuations are in place; more information can be found from the North Mason Regional Fire Authority.

The Pomas Fire northwest of Entiat continues to grow (currently 3,330 acres) and exhibit active fire behavior. Smoke impacts will continue to be concentrated in the Entiat River Valley.

In Lincoln County, the Western Pines Fire (10 miles north of Davenport) began yesterday and has grown to almost 4,000 acres. Smoke from the fire is currently impacting the Wellpinit area. Smoke will disperse to the east this afternoon. Tonight and into tomorrow morning winds will push smoke to the south of the fire, causing periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality in the Davenport area.

Located about 15 miles north of Kettle Falls, the Hope Fire began on the afternoon of July 8 and has quickly grown to 6,700 acres. The fire is burning mainly in grass and shrubs, and smoke impacts have largely been concentrated in and to the north of Kettle Falls. Local smoke impacts will continue with periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and potentially Unhealthy air quality closest to the fire. Communities to the south of the fire (including Colville) will likely observe smoke impacts tonight and into tomorrow morning.

Cooler temperatures continue today, but breezy winds may spread smoke. Warm, dry, and windy conditions return this weekend leading to increasing smoke from active fires and rapid spread of any new fire starts. Keep an eye on current and forecasted air quality at the map at the top of this page and we'll update as necessary.

Western Pines Fire in north Lincoln County. Source: Watch Duty.