Eastern Washington is facing a serious wildfire emergency this weekend as three major fires — the Kartar, Roza, and Tucannon — continue to burn across Okanogan, Kittitas, Yakima, and Columbia counties. As of the latest updates, the fires have collectively burned more than 23,000 acres, forced thousands of residents to evacuate, and threatened homes, livestock, and critical infrastructure.

Kartar Fire: 11,679 Acres, 0% Contained

The Kartar Fire is the most urgent situation in the Northwest. Burning on the Colville Reservation near Kartar Valley and Omak Lake in Okanogan County, the fire has grown to approximately 11,679 acres and remains 0% contained as of Saturday, June 21. The fire started June 16 and rapidly merged with the nearby Omak Lake fire, exploding in size due to rugged terrain and active fire behavior.

Level 3 (Leave Now) evacuation orders remain in effect for areas along Kartar Valley Road, Columbia River Road near Omak Lake, and the south end of Omak Lake Road. Because of the difficult terrain, firefighters have relied heavily on air support including retardant and water drops. Dozers have been constructing containment lines around Kartar Valley while engines protect structures. Northeast Washington Interagency Team 3 assumed command of the fire on June 17.

Roza Fire: 3,923 Acres, 20% Contained

The Roza Fire is burning in the Yakima River Canyon north of Selah, straddling the Kittitas and Yakima county border. The fire has grown to approximately 3,923 acres with 20% containment. Fueled by grass and brush, it exhibited active fire behavior when winds picked up, at one point closing Interstate 82 eastbound between Ellensburg and Yakima.

Level 2 (Be Set) evacuations were issued for residents in the Burbank Creek area. A Complex Incident Management Team (NW Team 2) has assumed command of the Roza incident. SR 821 through Yakima River Canyon has reopened as road conditions stabilize, though travelers should monitor WSDOT for updates.

Tucannon Fire: 8,061 Acres, 50% Contained

Located eight miles east of Dayton in Columbia County, the Tucannon Fire has reached 8,061 acres and achieved 50% containment as of June 19. The fire threatened residences, critical energy infrastructure, and livestock feeding grounds. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson authorized State Fire Mobilization on June 16, deploying five wildland strike teams, three hand crews, and additional air resources.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray activated to Level 2 (partial activation) to coordinate state assistance. Level 3 evacuation orders were initially in effect but have been partially reduced as containment improved. No injuries or damage to primary structures have been reported.

What Residents Should Know

  • Okanogan County: Follow Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) for Kartar Fire updates at ocemalertsystem.com
  • Kittitas/Yakima County: Monitor the Washington DNR Fire Dashboard and local sheriff notifications for Roza Fire updates
  • Columbia County: Visit the Washington State Patrol and Columbia County Emergency Management pages for Tucannon Fire information
  • All residents in active fire zones should have an evacuation plan ready and heed Level 2 warnings to prepare to leave immediately

The National Interagency Fire Center has assigned Complex Incident Management Teams to several of these fires, reflecting the severity and demand on resources. Fire behavior is expected to remain active through the weekend as dry and windy conditions persist across Eastern Washington.