Update Aug. 31, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. 

The large wildfire burning south of the U.S./Canada border was 91 per cent contained as of Sunday.

The fire is burning 17,988 acres — roughly 72 square kilometres as of the last available update from U.S. officials. There were still 231 personnel tackling the blaze Sunday about 11 km southwest of Oroville according to information from multiple U.S. organizations and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. 

The Palmer Lake fire has been burning since Aug. 18 and burned an estimated 30 structures since it started. High winds created extreme fire behaviour and accelerated rapid fire growth during the initial three days.

Many homes were threatened and level-three evacuation orders were issued for homes in the surrounding areas by the Okanogan County Sheriff’s department and the Okanogan County Emergency Management Department.

Local firefighters and the U.S. National Guard responded to the fire and worked in tandem with air resources, prioritizing structure protection and eventually slowing fire down.

Fire activity decreased significantly over the following weekend, and firefighting efforts are now shifting from suppression and containment to holding and mop-up.

 

Original story Aug. 28, 2020 at 20:49

Times-Chronicle staff

Palmer Lake fire crews are increasing their mop-up efforts as fire behaviour dwindles across the U.S. border.

The fire is now 75 per cent contained, according to fire management.

“The goal is to create a secure 200-foot perimeter around the fire’s edge before turning the fire over to local resources,” said today’s press release.

Interior pockets of unburned fuel will continue to burn, creating visible but benign smoke for some time. “Higher winds today and Saturday may impact firefighting efforts or increase the chances of new starts,” the release says.

COVID-19 mitigation procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of both firefighters and the community. All fire personnel are required to follow guidelines such as keeping groups separated, using face masks whenever feasible, and mandatory daily temperature checks. Contingency plans are also in place in case a firefighter or management team member shows any symptoms.

All level 2 evacuations have been lifted.

The fire is estimated to be nearly 18,000 acres.

Total personnel assigned to the fire is 416. Equipment includes 30 fire engines, 21 water tenders and six bulldozers.

The cause is still classified as unknown.