VIDEO: The Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County has grown to 10,527 acres with Level 3 evacuations expanded to Fish Lake and structure protection still the top priority, according to Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team #1. The fire started July 26 and was caused by lightning. It’s 12 miles west of Tonasket with 445 personnel assigned and no containment.

Fire activity stayed moderate during the previous day, officials explained, but the fire pushed west along the south flank of Douglas Mountain, Sinlahekin Creek and the Sinlahekin Valley rim south of Fish Lake. As winds shifted during the evening, the fire also spread north.

Crews used calmer conditions to build dozer lines along Blue Goat Ridge, Bald Butte Mountain and areas near Lemanasky Road to help protect structures. Forward progress of the fire slowed when the fire moved into the 2021 Chickadee Creek Fire scar. Protecting homes in the Lemanasky Road and Cecil Creek areas remained the main focus, officials said. Firefighters are also working to protect critical infrastructure including the communications tower on Aeneas Mountain.

KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane

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VIDEO/PHOTOS: Firefighters contained a brush fire burning on a cliff bank in Gig Harbor Thursday; the area where the fire was burning was difficult access for crews on the ground. Crews were called out to the scene at around noon in the 1200 block of 26th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor Fire said.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office was assisting with a drone to provide aerial observation, according to Gig Harbor Fire. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources deployed a helicopter to conduct water drops in areas that are difficult for crews to safely access on foot. “At this time, no structures are threatened,” Gig Harbor Fire said.

KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

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VIDEO: Several local agencies took part in water rescue training in Kennewick as first responders worked through canal emergency scenarios and shared safety reminders for the Tri-Cities community. The exercise brought together Benton County Fire Districts 1 and 4, Kennewick Fire, Richland Fire and the Kennewick Irrigation District. Officials said the training focused on rescue methods and public awareness around canal and waterway dangers.

Kennewick Deputy Chief Jake Van Horn says although incidents like this happen around once every season, the need for training and education is very important. “The risk for water rescue is real,” said Deputy Chief Van Horn. “It’s not a frequent emergency, but it is something that we could have to respond on at any time. And it’s something we want to be prepared for.”

Officials said the exercise highlighted reach, throw and go techniques along with general water safety tips. Richland Fire Battalion Chief Josh Smith explained that canals are not meant for swimming because of hazards hidden below the surface. “There’s a ton of unknown hazards that lie underneath the water. So don’t assume that this water is safe because there’s mud. There could be glass in the mud and various things that blow into the canal systems. They’re not a place where you should find water recreation,” said Battalion Chief Smith.

Officials also say canal water can move from two to five miles an hour, which can quickly knock someone off balance and carry them downstream. Not to mention they could potentially be filled with chemicals, like ones that treat and kill aquatic plants. Jason McShane, acting district manager for the Kennewick Irrigation District, encouraged people to choose safer places to cool off in the summer.

“We have lots of splash pads. We’ve got our public pools. We’ve got other private pools that are available for the recreational units. The new Pasco Aquatic Center is available, for that. I would suggest that we could probably use additional recreational facilities for, for the hot summer months, but the canals are not the choice for that,” said McShane.

KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

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