BY BRANDON HANSEN / KCHW NEWS

A fast-moving wildfire north of Kettle Falls has burned an estimated 3,200 acres as of Tuesday evening, prompting evacuation orders and a major firefighting response.

The Hope Fire is located roughly 15 miles north of Kettle Falls and 12 miles southwest of Northport in Stevens County. Fueled by dry grass and timber, the fire saw rapid growth Monday afternoon as it spotted northward into dry vegetation.

Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders are in effect. The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office has contacted affected residents. For the latest evacuation updates, visit the Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook page at facebook.com/stevenscountyem.

A Red Cross Evacuation Center is located at Kettle Falls Middle School (105 W. 11th Ave) and will reopen Wednesday, July 9 at 9:30 a.m. An animal evacuation center is operating at the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds in Colville.

Fire crews are working to build containment lines with support from helicopters, air tankers, water scoopers, dozers, engines, and hand crews. The Northeast Washington Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team #3 is expected to take command of the fire Wednesday.

With a Red Flag Warning in effect for wind and high temperatures, officials are concerned about erratic winds from a passing cold front. Structures, private lands, and cultural resources remain at risk. The fire’s cause is under investigation.

The current objective is full suppression with a focus on firefighter safety and limiting further spread.