Public Safety

State Fire Mobilization for Two Area Fires

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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State fire resources were mobilized on July 9 and July 8 to support containment efforts for two wildfires threatening communities in Okanogan and Kittitas counties.

The B and O Fire, burning near Okanogan, began July 9 and covers 2,000 acres. It is threatening homes and infrastructure, prompting Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire, near Vantage, started July 8 and spans 600 acres, also threatening homes and power infrastructure with similar evacuations in place.

State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers and Chief John Batiste coordinated the mobilizations. Residents are advised to monitor air quality via AirNow and use air filters at home during wildfire smoke events.

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

Source receipts11 of 14 claims supported · 79%

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 to support containment efforts for a wildfire threatening communities in Okanogan and Kittitas counties.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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State fire resources were mobilized on July 8 to support containment efforts for a wildfire threatening communities in Okanogan and Kittitas counties.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The B and O Fire, burning near Okanogan, began July 9.“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 covers 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 Level 3 evacuations are in place 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.“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire spans 600 acres.“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is threatening homes and power infrastructure.“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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Similar 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 Courtney Chambers coordinated the mobilizations.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Chief John Batiste coordinated the mobilizations.“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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Residents are advised to monitor air quality via AirNow during wildfire 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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Residents are advised to use air filters at home during wildfire smoke events.“Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke.”