Wildfire — Okanogan Valley, Washington

2020-08-01 · Okanogan Valley, Washington

Event narrative

The Green Fire, 12 miles northeast of Riverside, started on July 27th by human causes and burned a total 1,480 acres of grass and brush before contained on August 1. There were Level 1 evacuation notices, but no structures or homes were damaged or lost. The cost of the firefighting resources required to contain the fire was calculated at 250,000 dollars.

Wider weather episode

In late July, there were many days of gusty winds and record heat that brought elevated fire spread, especially to the Columbia Basin and Okanogan Valley. Three new wildfires were ignited between July 27-30th: Anglin, Green, and Coulee Meadows. They all quickly grew due to high temperatures, winds, and low relative humidity. The combined three wildfires destroyed over 4000 acres of land and three buildings. No human lives were lost or injured. The wildfires were contained within a few days and during the first week of August. Coulee Meadows was the last, fully contained on August 5th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 916335. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.