Two Fires Prompt State Fire Mobilization

Thursday, July 16, 2026

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State fire resources were mobilized on July 9 and July 8 for two wildfires in Okanogan and Kittitas counties, according to Washington State Patrol public records. The B and O Fire, burning near Okanogan, reached 2,000 acres on July 9 and prompted Level 2 and 3 evacuations. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire, near Vantage, began July 8 at 4:51 p.m. and is estimated at 600 acres, also triggering evacuations. The State Fire Marshal's Office recommends residents monitor air quality, use air filters at home, and wear respirators when outside. Evacuation levels remain in effect, and the State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation to coordinate assistance. Fire causes are under investigation.

📄 Source: Washington State Patrol — https://wsp.wa.gov/

Source receipts18 of 19 claims supported · 95%

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State fire resources were mobilized on July 9“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brad Armstrong, Okanogan County Fire District 3.”
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State fire resources were mobilized on July 8“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 8, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief William Rose, Kittitas County Fire District 4.”
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Two wildfires in Okanogan and Kittitas counties were addressed by state fire resources“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the B and O Fire located in Okanogan County, near the town of Okanogan.”
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The B and O Fire was burning near Okanogan“The B and O Fire located in Okanogan County, near the town of Okanogan.”
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The B and O Fire reached 2,000 acres on July 9“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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The B and O Fire prompted Level 2 evacuations“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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The B and O Fire prompted Level 3 evacuations“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire was near Vantage“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire began on July 8“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire began at 4:51 p.m.“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is estimated at 600 acres“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire triggered evacuations“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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The State Fire Marshal's Office recommends residents monitor air quality“Check out resources such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to get a real-time look at air quality in your area.”
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The State Fire Marshal's Office recommends residents use air filters at home“Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke.”
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The State Fire Marshal's Office recommends residents wear respirators when outside“When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air.”
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Evacuation levels remain in effectNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation“The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the B and O Fire.”
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The State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating assistance“The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the B and O Fire.”
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Fire causes are under investigation“The fire cause is currently under investigation.”