NESPELEM, Wash. – The Swawilla Fire that sparked Wednesday has grown to 5,500 acres.
Update July 23 9 a.m. – Level 2 evacuations are in effect for the fire near Keller. Cow Creek Road to Silver Creek on Highway 21 should be ready to leave as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
Update July 21 6 p.m. – According to Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page, the fire has now grown to 5,500 acres and is still not contained.
Update July 20 7 p.m. – The Incident Management Team will expand the Level 3 and Level 2 Evacuations on Swawilla Fire effective at 8 a.m. on July 21 (Sunday). All of Swawilla Basin will be under Level 3 evacuation at 8 a.m. on July 21 (Sunday).
The anticipated change in weather could shift the fire direction, compromising Swawilla Basin Road and/or residences in the area. The fire stood at 2,500 acres. Level 3 Evacuations will be shifted north along Manila Creek Road, from Highway 21 to approximately where Swawilla Basin Road intersects with Manila Creek Road/Peter Dan Road.
Level 2 evacuations will extend approximately 2 miles north of the Manila Creek Road/Peter Dan Road, between Highway 21 to approximately where Swawilla Basin Road intersects with Manila Creek Road/Peter Dan Road
According to the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team (IMC), the fire is 0% contained, but firefighters have held the progression of the flames to avoid it jumping over Swawilla Basin road.
“Crews are evaluating structures along Highway 21 and conducting structure protection measures, where available. Crews will continue to construct fire line where safe and advantageous to do so, working with aerial support to reduce fire behavior,” IMC said.
Nearly 200 emergency personnel are working to fight the fire, including Colville Confederated Tribe and Washington Department of Natural Resources staff.
Evacuation advisories and the
