Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Areas

Smoke from the rapidly expanding Kaiser Canyon Fire and Modrite Fire is contributing to poor air quality and hazy conditions across portions of Northeast Washington as hundreds of firefighters work to protect the town of Nespelem and surrounding communities. The wildfire grew to more than 60,000 acres, or approximately 93 square miles, Sunday after being pushed through dry grass, sagebrush, and rugged terrain by strong winds.

The fire remained 0% contained with 500 personnel working on the blaze. A large smoke plume from the fire was visible on satellite imagery and could be seen from Keller, about 20 miles from the main fire area. Smoke from the Kaiser Canyon Fire, combined with several other fires burning in the region and near the Canadian border, has reduced air quality across portions of northeast Washington.

The Modrite Fire started on July 17 across Lake Roosevelt from Hunters and has grown to over 6,000 acres. It also produced a plume of smoke that drifted into Stevens County. The blaze has burned two secondary buildings. “There are NO fires currently near or in Fire District 1,” Stevens County Fire District 1 stated Saturday morning in a Facebook post. “Smoke for the day shouldn’t be a big factor, but conditions will probably change as winds are expected to swing to westerly this afternoon. We will be in the direct smoke path of two fires.” The Colville area was hit earlier Saturday with thick smoke conditions, while true to form with the fire district’s predictions, farther south saw smokey conditions began later in the day.

Ash also fell in considerable amount into Stevens County, collecting on surfaces and vehicles. SCFD1 posted that resources were very thin at the state and PNW-wide. “Many of the Type 3 and CIMT (formerly Type II) Teams are already deployed, with some taking on several fires at once,” the fire district said. Air Quality Index readings surpassed 300 near the Canadian border, a level considered hazardous or an emergency condition for everyone exposed. Readings closer to the Kaiser Canyon Fire were lower, but shifting winds moved smoke into neighboring communities. On Friday, Spokane had an AQI of 345 which is considered Hazardous, and 199 in Colville which is considered Unhealthy. The Kaiser Canyon Fire was believed to have been started by lightning and grew rapidly north of Grand Coulee Dam.

Approximately 1,000 residents were ordered to evacuate Saturday, with about 200 people seeking temporary shelter. At least 10 structures were destroyed, although no injuries had been reported as of Saturday evening. Flames advanced to within 2 miles of Nespelem, a town of about 200 residents and the governmental center of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The fire area includes the Lucy F. Covington Colville Tribal Government Center, a health center, a Washington State University extension campus, a public works facility, and other important community resources. An abrupt wind shift Saturday forced approximately 500 firefighters to reposition and change tactics as flames began moving toward Nespelem.

Crews used aircraft to collect water from the Columbia River and nearby lakes before air operations paused at nightfall. Firefighters continued working overnight with heavy equipment, hand tools, water tenders, and other resources to establish a protective buffer between the flames and the community. Much of the work was concentrated east of Nespelem, while the Columbia River provided a natural barrier on the western side. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation created difficult firefighting conditions. A red flag warning was issued because of the potential for rapid fire growth.

Law enforcement officers traveled door to door to notify residents. People living at a convalescent center were safely transported to the Omak Longhouse. Emergency shelters were established in Omak, Coulee City, and Coulee Dam. Some evacuees were staying with family members in Keller. Shelters for livestock and other large animals were opened at the Omak Stampede Rodeo Grounds, Okanogan County Fairgrounds, and Ridge Riders Rodeo Grounds in Grand Coulee. The Keller area was not considered immediately threatened because of its location east of the canyon and prevailing wind patterns. About nine additional fires were burning across Okanogan County and the Colville Reservation, further straining firefighting resources and adding smoke to the region.

For the Modrite Fire, Level 3 evacuations are in effect for Wilmont Creek Road, from Falls Creek Road to near four corners. Wilmont Road is closed at Twin Lakes. Level 1 evacuations are in effect between Falls Creek Road to north of Kewa Road. Silver Creek Road is closed between Four Corners and Kewa Road. On Sunday, the Modrite Fire made significant advancement north of Rodger’s Bar Road, burning to within approximately onehalf mile of Coyote Creek Road. The fire has 150 personnel working on the blaze as dozer lines were constructed along the western flank, starting along Wilmont Road up to approximately Monaghan Creek area.

Fire behavior along Wilmont Road and the adjacent area along Silver Creek Road remained low and is being held along the road. Previous fuels reduction projects and prescribed burning in this area reduced fire intensity and helped firefighters slow the fire’s spread. Aircraft including Fire Bosses, Super Scoopers, helicopters, and large air tankers are working on the fire as well as ground resources. Air quality in Colville reached 172 Monday which is considered unhealthy. Stevens County Emergency Management said on Sunday that it was assisting with the Modrite Fire evacuations by hosting the Red Cross Shelter at the Kettle Falls Middle School.

People evacuating can charge devices, get water, and stay at the school. Stevens County Search and Rescue volunteers are also helping at the shelter. There is a pet response trailer, so people can bring dogs, cats, and even hamsters to stay. Weather conditions were expected to remain challenging, with temperatures forecast in the upper 90s and even triple digits this week with little chance of rain.