Updated: August 25, 12:00 p.m.
Cold winds tested the perimeter of the Palmer Lake fire overnight on Monday, but crews managed to keep the lines strong. The fire is now 49 percent contained.
The focus for crews is shifting from suppressing the blaze to securing a 300-foot radius around the outside of the current burn zone. Crews are clearing brush and flammable materials from the area.
The fire has reduced in size slightly, now burning under 18,000 acres.
Evacuation alerts and orders remain in affect for many properties in the Oroville and Loomis areas.
Updated: August 24, 11:00 a.m.
Fire crews are gaining ground on the Palmer Lake wildfire which is now reported to be 27 percent contained.
Crews continue to battle the blaze discovered Aug. 18, trying to establish a controlled perimeter.
The fire is reported to now be over 18,000 acres in size and located less than 10 kilometres from the Canadian border, according to maps provided by fire officials.
Controlled burns are taking place around the outside of the fire to provide a buffer zone free of flammable materials to stem the spread of the fire. Crews are also using aircrafts to drop fire retardant and ignition to further secure the perimeter, according to fire officials.
“Firefighters made significant progress (Sunday),” said the Northwest Incident Management Team 6 in a written statement. “For the next few days, the focus will shift to mop-up and securing a 300 foot radius around structures in the fire area.”
Over 500 personal continue to work on the fire. Evacuation orders remain in effect for two areas while evacuation alerts are in effect for two other areas near the towns of Oroville and Loomis.
The Town of Osoyoos Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is continuing to monitor the situation. The EOC is in regular contact with fire officials on both sides of the border to stay on top of the evolving situation.
A virtual public meeting will be held by Washington state fire officials at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25 via the Okanogan County Emergency Management Facebook page to provide an opportunity for questions and short presentation by the incident management team.
Map shows the boundaries of the Palmer Lake wildfire which has reached over 18,000 acres in size. Roughly 27 percent of the fire is now contained, as crews continue to try and establish a solid perimeter around the outside. (Map: WASPD Palmer)
