Wildfire — Okanogan Valley, Washington

2020-09-01 to 2020-09-08 · Okanogan Valley, Washington

Event narrative

The Palmer Wildfire grew and burned a total 17,988 acres of timber and brush. The cost of firefighting resources to contain the blaze was calculated at nine million dollars. No structures were lost, but the fire threatened many in the towns of Loomis and Nighthawk.

Wider weather episode

The Palmer Fire, 7 miles southwest of Oroville, started on August 18th. Shifting high winds created extreme fire behavior and accelerated rapid fire growth. Passing frontal boundaries assisted in strengthening winds with gusts to 48 mph. Prior to containment, many homes were threatened and Level 3 evacuation orders were issued for those in Loomis and Nighthawk. There is no known destruction of structures. The fire was contained by September 8th with a total 17,988 acres destroyed.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 920819. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.