Lightning starts multiple fires in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST — A lightning storm traveling over Central Washington this week has ignited multiple fires in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. 

The U.S. Forest confirmed eight fires as of July 16, responding with both ground and aerial firefighting resources, including smokejumpers, rappelers, and engines

According to the Forest Service, most fires are under a tenth of an acre in size. Several are located in remote, steep and challenging terrain. The agency said all fires were being managed for full suppression.

The Little Giant Fire, located in the Wenatchee River Ranger District, is an estimated 5-acres. It is located in the Chiwawa River drainage, about three-quarters of a mile west of 19-Mile Campground. It is in a relatively flat spot, but very steep and rugged to access all around. The Forest Service said rappelers are on site with additional resources on order. 

The largest fire, the Three Queens Fire, is estimated at 25-acres. It is located in the Cle Elum Ranger District, about 1.5 miles northwest of Little Lake Kachess. It is burning in steep, rocky terrain, with multiple types of air and ground support resources in response, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The Domke Fire in the Chelan Ranger District is estimated to be a tenth of an acre and is staff with smoke jumpers. It is about a half mile west of Domke Lake and 1.5 miles south of Lucerne.

The Methow Valley Ranger District reported three confirmed lightning fires, one of which being the Cougar Fire, which was contained at 1.6 acres. 

The Forest Service said it anticipated new smoke reports and holdover fires over the coming days. It requested an aerial observation flight while crews continue to look for fires with boots on the ground and aerial detection.