Kaiser Canyon

Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information

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Infrared Data Helps Guide Resource Priorities on the Kaiser Canyon Fire

About 30 minutes after midnight, a fixed-wing or Unmanned Aerial System (UAS/drone) aircraft passes over the Kaiser Canyon Fire on the Colville Indian Reservation. As night crews work the west and east sides of the fire area on the ground, the pilot or UAS above them collects thermal infrared imaging that reveals heat signatures across the landscape. Later, on the ground, this data appears on a fire behavior analyst’s mapping software as a series of overlapping red squares, each representing a heat source in the vicinity, isolated heat, and the new fire perimeter.

These infrared, or IR, flights are an integral part of illustrating significant amounts of data on a regular basis while minimizing personnel risk and cost. At a macro level, this intelligence gathering and interpretation helps incident management teams project the fire’s growth and direction.

Findings also allow teams to determine where to place firefighting crews. The nation remains in a Preparedness Level (PL) 5, meaning vital personnel resources like fire crews, incident support specialists, and air and ground equipment are heavily committed to existing incidents. Teams must carefully consider fire projection data to ensure personnel are best utilized despite limited availability and position them in the most threatened areas to reduce risks for communities, properties and other valuable resources as effectively as possible.

The Kaiser Canyon Fire remains intense. Teams on the ground have observed large, heavy fuels smoldering for a significant amount of time. White ash in the fire’s wake has indicated almost negligible moisture levels in many areas.

Surrounding communities should be aware of current evacuation levels, and significant smoke throughout and around the fire area continues to pose additional risks for sensitive groups.

The incident management team appreciates the continued support, hospitality and knowledge as firefighters continue to reassess and re-engage challenging areas. The safety of human life, property, communities and cultural and natural resources remains a top priority when determining each operational decision

Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information

KAISER CANYON FIRE DAILY UPDATE - July 25, 2026

Acres: 110,355

Containment: 13%

Cause: Lightning

Location: Colville Reservation, Nespelem Area

Start Date: July 16, 2026

Personnel: 741

HIGHLIGHTS

Higher temperatures, winds and low humidity led to active fire behavior along the north and east sides of the fire. While those conditions existed yesterday as well, firefighting efforts were able to limit the spread of the fire. Red Flag warnings are in effect for today as extreme fire weather continues.

The southern edge of the fire is being shifted to monitoring status, as the fireline is secure. Firefighting resources will be repositioned to cover the priority areas of life safety, communities, homes, and other values at risk along the north and east sides of the fire and the Kartar, Nespelem, Owhi Lake, and Kellar areas. Please continue monitoring the Perimeter Map and InciWeb links for the latest information on evacuations and closures.

OPERATIONS

Containment lines continue to be strengthened for the predicted critical fire weather and resources are assigned to priority areas to protect communities, homes and other values at risk, particularly in the northern and eastern portions of the fire. Night resources are in place to continue planned operations in areas they have assessed. A structure protection crew will be assessing structures and preparing protection strategies.

Initial Attack resources are ready to respond quickly to any new fire starts. Additional control lines are being assessed should the fire move beyond existing containment lines.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR

A significant wind event arrives today with the passage of a dry cold front. Sustained winds of 10 to 20 mph will accompany gusts upwards of 30 to 35 mph. Warm temperatures and low humidity will pair with these winds to prolong critical fire weather.

Cooler temperatures return on Sunday, but conditions will remain dry with afternoon wind gusts of 15 to 20 mph. A subtle warming trend will take hold through the week, with the potential for another bout of elevated winds on Tuesday.

These conditions will create susceptible fuels, increasing the potential of spot fires ahead of the main fire.

SMOKE

Widespread unhealthy air quality is expected today and tomorrow for communities on the Colville Reservation and along to Okanogan River Valley, San Poil Valley, and Columbia River Valley. N95 masks are available at the library in Omak.

FIRE INFORMATION

• Information Line: 509-800-8123 office hours 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

• Email: 2026.kaisercanyon@firenet.gov

• Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts

• Evacuation Information: https://perimetermap.com/data/876-196534-polygon

Okanogan County Emergency Management

07/25/2026 9:47Am

UPDATE: Kaiser Canyon Fire, Omak, WA. Columbia River Road OPEN

Issued: 07-25-2026 at 09:47 AM

Columbia River Road is OPEN as of 9AM.

Kartar Road remains CLOSED.

State Route 155 remains CLOSED between Park City Loop Road north of Nespelem to Hailey Creek Road south of Omak, due to active fire along roadway, rolling rocks and danger trees, south of Disautel Summit and the Level 3 Evacuation area from Coyote Creek to Hailey Creek Road.

Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to take action if conditions change.

Okanogan County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Monitor the Okanogan County Emergency Management Active Incidents page for latest official updates

Okanogan County Emergency Management

07/23/2026 8:46pm

Level 3 - IMMEDIATE EVACUATION

Location: Highway 155 from Coyote Creek Campground to and including Haley Creek, Omak, WA.

Issued: 07-23-2026 at 08:46 PM.

Level 2 increased to Level 3

Due to increased fire actively burning North and East of Kartar towards Summit Lake Rd and towards Highway 155, Level 3 IMMEDAITE EVACUATION has been issued for the following area: Along Highway 155 on both sides of the highway from Coyote Creek Campground to Haley Creek, continuing south on Hailey Creek Rd, then South to Omak Lake Rd, to Columbia River Rd and then South to Kartar Valley Rd.

Do not wait for additional notifications or door-to-door contact.

Leave the area immediately.

Be aware of your surroundings and evacuate without delay.

Use caution and watch for emergency vehicles and first responders in the area.

This may be your only evacuation notice.

Okanogan County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Evacuate now. North on SR 155 towards OMAK

Again, this is a Level 3 - Immediate Evacuation for Highway 155 from Coyote Creek Campground to and including Haley Creek., Omak, WA. Omak, WA

Monitor the Okanogan County Emergency Management Active Incidents page for latest official updates

Okanogan County Emergency Management

07/26/2026 7:15pm

Level 2 - Be Ready to Evacuate

Location: Peter Dam Road (Manilla Creek Road) and Buffalo Lake Road to State HWY 21.

North along HWY 21 to South Nanamkin Road, West on South Nanamkin Road to the intersection of Central Peak Road, from Central Peak Road South along the County line to Buffalo Lake area, Keller, WA.

Issued: 07-23-2026 at 07:15 PM.

Due to increased fire danger a Level 2 BE READY is being issued

Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to take action if conditions change.

Take action based on conditions in your area.

Do not wait for door-to-door notification.

If you feel unsafe, leave now.

Use caution and watch for emergency vehicles and first responders in the area.

This may be your only notice, be ready to evacuate.

Okanogan County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Again, this is a Level 2 Be Ready to Evacuate issued for Peter Dam Road (Manilla Creek Road) and Buffalo Lake Road to State HWY 21. North along HWY 21 to South Nanamkin Road, West on South Nanamkin Road to the intersection of Central Peak Road, from Central Peak Road South along the County line to Buffalo Lake area, Keller, WA

Monitor the Okanogan County Emergency Management Active Incidents page for latest official updates.

A Community Meeting will be held at the Lucy Covington Center – East Auditorium at 21 Colville St., Nespelem, WA tonight at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be recorded for anyone who is unable to attend.

Fire growth continued to the west along the Columbia River Road. Warm and dry conditions were present throughout the fire area yesterday. Red Flag Days are expected later this week.

Fire managers remain committed to a full suppression strategy, with the highest priorities being public and firefighter safety, along with the protection of homes, communities and critical infrastructure. Existing dozer line from the 2021 Whitmore Fire is being reopened and utilized to create and strengthen fire lines.

Operations: Structure and resource protection continued along the Columbia River Road, ensuring firefighter safety, and establishing and strengthening containment lines around the fire. The crews, engines, heavy equipment and aviation resources are arriving to strengthen fire suppression efforts. The focus along the eastern perimeter of the fire is constructing fireline and tying in with existing dozer line.

In areas where steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain limits direct firefighting efforts, crews are evaluating indirect tactics and identifying opportunities to safely construct and reinforce containment lines. Aircraft and indirect suppression methods will be used where conditions and terrain allow.

CEM

7/20/2026

Okanogan County Emergency Management 5h

UPDATE: Kaiser Canyon Fire, Nespelem, WA. Reduce Evacuation Levels for Agency and Nespelem.

Issued: 07-20-2026 at 06:55 PM

Agency Campus and Town of Nespelem evacuation level has been reduced to Level 2 BE READY.

All other evacuations levels remain the same.

State Route 155 remains CLOSED from Park City Loop Road to Mile Post 61.

Columbia River Road remains CLOSED from State Route 155 to Kartar Road.

Cache Creek Road remains CLOSED from Nespelem to State Route 21.

Buffalo Lake Road remains CLOSED from Rebecca Lake Rd to White Buffalo.

Use extra caution when traveling within evacuation areas.

Fire personnel and emergency equipment are actively working in the area, follow all road closures.

Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to take action if conditions change.

Okanogan County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Monitor the Okanogan County Emergency Management Active Incidents page for latest official updates.

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Daniel L Pratt · Jul 21, 1:14 AM · expires Jul 22, 7:57 AM

Summary of the Kaiser Canyon Wildfire WebpageThis webpage provides real-time updates and resources regarding the Kaiser Canyon wildfire in Okanogan County, Washington. Here are the key points from the page:Fire Status:The Kaiser Canyon wildfire is currently active with 0% containment. The latest mapped perimeter is 53,321 acres, but fresh satellite data suggests the fire may have grown to approximately 58,047 acres.

The fire was first reported on July 16, 2026. The fire is spreading primarily east-northeast, with a recent growth rate of about 18,598 acres per day. Satellite data shows the fire is not currently moving toward the user's location (example given: 54.

6 miles south of the fire). Evacuations and Closures:There are currently 8 evacuation notices and 2 road closures in effect. Residents are advised to follow official evacuation orders from local authorities.

Weather Conditions:Near Nespelem, WA, the weather is mild (66°F, 42% humidity) with light winds, but wind direction and speed can change rapidly, affecting fire behavior. Assistance and Resources:Those affected by the fire can contact local officials and the American Red Cross for relief and temporary shelter. Contact information for assistance is provided (e.

g. , Taressa Marchand at 509-634-0944 and Jessica Farmer at 509-846-5101). Community and Reporting:The site is community-funded and run by volunteers, offering live maps, incident logs, and field updates from verified reporters.

Users can view live wildfire cameras, set up alerts, and subscribe to incident feeds. Disclaimer:The site is not affiliated with any government agency and encourages users to cross-reference information with official sources, especially for evacuation decisions. This summary captures the main features and current status of the Kaiser Canyon wildfire as presented on the webpage.

Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information - · 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 If you have lost your home in the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Nespelem, Washington, and need assistance with relief items or temporary shelter, please contact Taressa Marchand at 509-634-0944 to be connected with the American Red Cross and begin the assistance application process. If you have lost your home or experienced other losses as a result of the Kaiser Canyon Fire, please contact Jessica Farmer with the Okanogan County Long-Term Recovery Group for guidance on next steps and available recovery resources. Phone: 509-846-5101 Email: jessicaocdcm@gmail.

com If you know someone who has been affected by the Kaiser Canyon Fire, please share this information to help connect them with available assistance

Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information - Kaiser fire update 7/18/2026

Kaiser Canyon 7/17/2026

Kaiser Canyon 7/17/2026

Direction of spread ⚠️ The new heat is centered north/northwest of the fire, reaching up to ~7. 5 miles from the centroid. The hotspot footprint now extends north of latitude 48.

24 — that's past Nespelem's latitude, consistent with the existing Level 3 evacuation (fire moving north along the Columbia River corridor). Official numbers should catch up when NIFC posts its next update or the morning perimeter flight is processed.

This is not official , Kaiser Canyon Growth Estimate Official mapped perimeter: 12,495 ac (perimeter flown Jul 17, ~5:37 PM PDT — polygon verified, it computes to ~12,400 ac) Overnight satellite passes (2:00 & 4:00 AM PDT, Jul 18): 417 active heat detections near the fire — 403 of them are OUTSIDE the mapped perimeter Those outside detections cover ~282 distinct 375-meter pixels ≈ ~9,800 acres of new fire ground 19 high-confidence detections, ~2,450 MW total radiative power outside the line 📊 Rough estimate: ~20,000–22,500 acres