Cheweah Fire Now Over 37,000 Acres, 20% Contained

Update: 3:46 pm 7/16

The Chuweah Creek Fire is up to 37,283 acres and is 20% contained as of Friday.

Northwest Team 12 Incident Commander Bob Shindelar said the main focus going into the weekend is securing the eastern section of the fire, which is encroaching on Keller Butte. Approximately 260 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Incoming low pressure systems will bring cooler marine air over the weekend. There is an outside chance of thunderstorms Tuesday.

Shindelar added that if things go as well Friday as they did Thursday, all evacuation levels could be reduced to Level 1 by the end of the day.

Update: 3:12 pm 7/15

The Cheweah fire, burning southwest of Nespelem, is now over 32,000 acres and 20% contained.

Mt. Tolman Fire Center PIO Kathy Moses said the fire was quite active in the high winds yesterday, pushing east and northeast and requiring new Level 3 evacuation notices for a collection of homes on Shiloh Road.

Roughly 200 personnel are working the fire. Air resources are being shared with other wildfires within the region.

Original Post 3:17 pm 7/14

The Cheweah Fire, burning southeast of Nespelem, is now at 15,000 acres with 0% containment as of Wednesday afternoon.

Mt. Tolman Fire Center PIO Kathy Moses said 79 firefighters are working the blaze, with the fight most intense on the fire's east side. A Type 2 Incident Management Team took command of the fire at 6:00 am Wednesday morning. Officials hope the fire can be completely contained by July 23rd.

Over a dozen homes and outbuildings have been destroyed.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter for evacuees at the Lake Roosevelt High School Gym. FEMA has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs.