Public Safety

State mobilizes for two wildfires in Okanogan, Kittitas

Tuesday, July 14, 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 records.

The B and O Fire, burning near Okanogan, started July 9 at 2:14 p.m. and is now estimated at 2,000 acres. It is threatening homes and infrastructure, with Level 2 and 3 evacuations in effect. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage started July 8 at 4:51 p.m. and covers 600 acres, also threatening homes and power lines with evacuations in place.

State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating the dispatch of five wildland strike teams for the B and O Fire. The State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation to support both fires. The State Fire Marshal’s Office advises residents to monitor air quality and use respirators when outside during smoke events.

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

Source receipts13 of 14 claims supported · 93%

Legacy automated check: the original source text was not preserved. These earlier verdicts have not passed the current publication checks and may contain errors. Source: original document ↗

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State fire resources were mobilized on July 9 for a wildfire in Okanogan county“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. 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 for a wildfire in Kittitas county“July 8, 2026 Kittitas County – 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.”
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The B and O Fire, burning near Okanogan, started July 9 at 2:14 p.m.“The B and O Fire started on July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m.”
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The B and O Fire is now estimated at 2,000 acres“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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The B and O Fire is threatening homes and infrastructure“It is burning in grass and brush, and is threatening homes, infrastructure, and public safety.”
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Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect for the B and O Fire“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage started July 8 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 covers 600 acres“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is threatening homes and power lines“It is burning in grass, brush, and timber and is threatening homes, power infrastructure, and structures in the community of Vantage.”
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Evacuations are in place for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating the dispatch of five wildland strike teams for the B and O Fire“State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.”
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The State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation to support both firesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The State Fire Marshal’s Office advises residents to monitor air quality when outside during smoke events“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 advises residents to use respirators when outside during smoke events“When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air.”