The Sinlahekin Fire west of Tonasket in Okanogan County remains the largest single wildfire burning in Washington state, having consumed 154,162 acres of forest and rangeland. As of August 19, the fire is 44% contained, with more than 1,700 personnel assigned to the incident. While recent rainfall provided temporary relief in the central area of the fire, active fire behavior continues along both the northern and southern flanks.

Current Fire Status

The lightning-caused Sinlahekin Fire ignited in Okanogan County and rapidly expanded through steep, timbered terrain before establishing itself as the dominant fire on the landscape west of Tonasket. Fire managers report that beneficial overnight rainfall in the central portion of the fire allowed crews to extinguish lingering hot spots near Toby's Mill, providing a window for line construction and mop-up operations.

However, the fire's northern and southern flanks remain active, where terrain and continued dry conditions are allowing residual fire to spread. Fire behavior analysts warn that the fuels in these areas have not received the same rainfall benefit as the fire's interior, meaning they remain critically dry and susceptible to torching and spotting.

Strategic Priorities

Incident commanders have identified the following top priorities for the Sinlahekin incident:

  • Securing and improving containment lines near Salmon Meadows
  • Protecting structures and improving lines near Toats Coulee
  • Continuing active structure protection operations around Toby's Mill
  • Monitoring the southern flank near the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area

Aerial resources, including helicopters equipped with water buckets and fixed-wing retardant aircraft, are being used to support ground operations, particularly in areas where direct attack from the ground is not safely feasible.

Evacuation Notices

Level 2 evacuation warnings remain in effect for Tonasket and surrounding areas. Residents under Level 2 orders should be prepared to leave on short notice if conditions change. The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office and Okanogan County Emergency Management are the primary sources for evacuation order updates.

Officials urge residents who have returned to their properties under Level 1 notices to remain vigilant and monitor conditions closely. Fire behavior can change rapidly in response to wind events and changes in fuel moisture.

Firefighting Resources

The more than 1,700 personnel on the Sinlahekin Fire represent a substantial portion of the Northwest's available firefighting workforce. The incident management team is using a combination of Type 1 and Type 2 crews, along with dozers, engines, and water tenders. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are providing reconnaissance support to identify hot spots and guide ground operations.

Residents are reminded that road closures remain in effect in several areas near the fire perimeter. Drivers should watch for firefighting equipment and personnel operating along roadways, park well off the road surface, and never stop on dry vegetation.

For the most current information, visit the Sinlahekin Fire page on InciWeb or follow Okanogan County Emergency Management on social media.