FIRE REPORT: Kaiser Canyon Fire containment grows as crews brace for weekend winds

“The biggest thing that I've seen is they're saying that we're letting it burn. That is nowhere near what we are doing. We are fighting. We are trying. We are doing everything we possibly can to get everything under control. Weather is just like a really big factor in all of that.” 

Alicia Chrismore, a public information officer trainee with Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 2. 

NESPELEM — Firefighters battling the Kaiser Canyon Fire, now the largest wildfire in Washington state, continue to make progress on containment despite persistent hot and dry conditions and the threat of stronger winds this weekend. 

The lightning-caused fire, which started July 16 near Nespelem on the Colville Reservation, burned about 128,000 acres and was 27 percent contained as of Thursday afternoon, according to InciWeb. More than 1,090 personnel are assigned to the incident, with firefighters focusing on protecting communities, critical infrastructure and highways in the fire path. The National Interagency Fire Center currently estimates the fire cost at $35 million.  

Containment has increased steadily in recent days, rising from 15 percent Monday to 27 percent Thursday. 

“We've been very committed, and we keep going after direct lines where we can with dozers and hand crews, and indirect where the terrain and the weather just doesn't allow us to get too close,” said Alicia Chrismore, a public information officer trainee with Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 2. “We're consistent and committed, and we just keep going after it, and we haven't given up.” 

Fire crews reported success Wednesday holding the blaze west of Keller Ridge, a strategic objective that officials say is critical to public safety in the area. 

“That achievement is very critical,” Chrismore said. “That helps keep the residents and the community of everybody in that Highway 21 corridor safe. It gives everybody a really good sense of safety that we've been able to continue to keep it all on the west side of that ridge.” 

According to the latest fire update, firefighters conducted strategic firing operations Wednesday evening to remove unburned fuels ahead of the advancing fire. Crews also made substantial progress constructing fire lines along Kartar Creek Road while additional resources continued patrol and mop-up work near Nespelem and Agency. 

Structure protection remains a top priority along Highways 21 and 155 and in the Kartar, Disautel and Omak areas. Firefighters are working to secure containment lines and strengthen defenses ahead of a potentially significant weather event expected Saturday. 

The National Weather Service forecast cited by fire managers calls for a strong dry cold front moving through the region with wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph possible. Officials said the weather system could increase fire activity and create new spot fires. 

“It is definitely a concern. It's on top of everyone's mind,” Chrismore said. “We're doing as many mitigating circumstances as we can, so we're putting in extra line. We're making everything as cold and as wide as we can to give it all of that room.” 

The fire continues to burn through a mix of timber, brush and grass fuels. Incident managers reported active fire behavior during both day and night because of extremely dry conditions and poor overnight humidity recovery. Fire can spread rapidly through grass and brush, particularly when aligned with wind and slope, officials said. 

While protecting homes and structures remains important, Chrismore said firefighters and public safety remain the incident's highest priorities. 

“I think the biggest threat right now is wildland firefighters and public safety,” she said. “We have a lot of support around structures and homes, keeping an eye on everything and keeping everything as protected as we possibly can.” 

Smoke remains a concern throughout the region, with air quality across the Colville Reservation expected to remain unhealthy through at least Friday. Residents with respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use air filtration systems if available. 

As the fire continues to draw statewide attention, Chrismore addressed criticism and misconceptions about suppression efforts. 

“The biggest thing that I've seen is they're saying that we're letting it burn,” Chrismore said. “That is nowhere near what we are doing. We are fighting. We are trying. We are doing everything we possibly can to get everything under control. Weather is just like a really big factor in all of that.” 

Travelers are encouraged to monitor current closure and evacuation information through PerimeterMap. A partial closure remains in effect along Highway 155 southeast of Omak and north of Nespelem, while Highway 21 remains open. Officials urged motorists to remain alert for fire equipment and personnel operating along roadways. 

The fire is currently estimated to reach full containment by Aug. 15, according to InciWeb. 

“We appreciate everyone’s support and their willingness to work with us and accommodation for all of our fire crews and support staff,” Chrismore said. “We're working as hard as we can to try and get this taken care of.” 

 Three biggest fires in Wash: 

Kaiser Canyon Fire: 128,212 acres. 27 percent contained. Started July 16. Okanogan County. Lighting caused. The total estimated cost is $35 million.  

Little Giant Fire: 25,407 acres. No containment. Started July 15. Chelan County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is $30 million.  

Ptarmigan Fire: 18,000 acres. No containment. Started July 17. Okanogan County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $750,000. 

 Other active blazes in Wash: 

Border 2 Fire: 2,500 acres. No containment. Started July 16. Whatcom County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is unknown.  

Bradeen Hill Fire: 4,168 acres. No containment. Started July 25. Stevens County. Human caused. The total estimated cost is $4.9 million. 

Luna Fire: 330 acres. No containment. Started July 24. Whatcom County. Unknown cause. The total estimated cost is $5 million.  

Modrite Fire: 11,766 acres. 63 percent contained. Started July 17. Ferry County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $20 million.   

Sinlahekin Fire: 10,527 acres. No containment. Started July 26. Okanogan County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $4.9 million.  

Skyo Fire: 202 acres. 25 percent contained. Started July 22. Lewis County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is $3 million.  

SOURCES: INCIWEB, NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER, WATCHDUTY, AIRNOW.