Wildfire — Okanogan Valley, Washington

2021-08-01 to 2021-08-30 · Okanogan Valley, Washington

Event narrative

Lightning ignited the Chuweah Creek Wildfire on the Colville Indian Reservation, just outside of Nespelem, on July 12th. This was signficantly driven by strong winds and very dry conditions. There are no known injuries or fatalities. Damages include 7 buildings/homes, 7 outbuildings, and numerous cars. The quick spreading fire did not give all farmers time to evacuate livestock which lead to many horse and cattle injuries and fatalities. The Chuweah Creek Fire burned a total 36,752 acres before it was contained on August 30th. The cost of the firefighting resources required to contain the fire was calculated at $8,915,000.

Wider weather episode

Passing scattered showers on the evening of July 12th, with embedded lightning, ignited several wildfires as they passed across eastern Washington. The summer season of hot and dry conditions fueled fires across the Colville Reservation.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 978150. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.