BRANDON HANSEN / KCHW NEWS

Firefighting efforts continue with steady progress as crews battle the Hope Fire in northeastern Washington. Yesterday, a coordinated effort between ground crews and heavy equipment allowed firefighters to further secure the southwestern flank of the blaze. Utilizing a combination of direct and indirect lines, the teams were able to get to work, with air tankers providing additional support through retardant drops. The fire currently stands at 6,385 Acres in size with 546 personnel working on it with zero percent containment.

Crews on the northwest side scouted for opportunities to strengthen the west side of the fire with dozer lines, working towards better containment. On the southeastern edge of the fire, structural task forces remained diligent, performing mop-up work around homes and reinforcing handlines. Fire behavior moderated somewhat to the north, allowing personnel to take a more direct approach in combating the blaze. Crews worked to connect Bull Hill Road and the 200 Road with dozer lines, and helicopter support helped strengthen lines near Rattlesnake Creek.

Today’s operations will see crews working north along the western edge of the fire, with dozers and hand crews continuing to build both direct and indirect lines. If conditions require, aviation assets will be available for water and retardant drops to support ground efforts. In the northwest corner of the fire, dozer line construction will begin, progressing towards Lael Road.

Along the northern head of the fire, personnel will continue their direct efforts where fire behavior permits, further strengthening containment lines with air support if necessary. On the eastern flank, structural resources will continue mop-up operations around homes, with crews patrolling and strengthening lines to prevent spot fires from sparking. To the south, the Columbia River remains a key natural containment feature, providing a buffer against fire spread.

One area of focus remains Flagstaff Mountain, where critical infrastructure, including communication structures, is located. Crews are conducting fuel mitigation work to reduce the risk of fire impacting these facilities, ensuring long-term protection for the region’s communication capabilities.

Weather Update:
Conditions today will continue to challenge firefighting efforts. Temperatures are expected to reach into the low 90s in the valleys and mid 80s at higher elevations. Humidity levels will remain low, around 20%, while winds will begin from the east and shift to the west, with speeds ranging from 3-6 mph, gusting up to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Evacuation Status:
Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations remain in effect. Residents are urged to stay updated on the latest evacuation orders and road closures, available on the Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem/.

Shelter Information:
The Red Cross Evacuation Center at Kettle Falls Middle School, 105 W. 11th Ave, Kettle Falls, WA is now only open on an on-call basis. However, the Animal Evacuation Center at the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds, 317 W. Astor Ave, Colville, WA remains open.

Road Closures:
For safety reasons, the public is advised to avoid the immediate fire area. Road closures are in effect to allow firefighters to safely conduct their operations.