OKANOGAN COUNTY, Wash --- The Diamond Creek fire has burned since July 23 and is now covering more than 32,000 acres.
One person has been injured in the fire with two structures being destroyed and one being damaged, according to Okanogan County Emergency Management.
Investigators know it is a human caused wildfire and they estimate the cost of damage cause at $7.5 million.
Fire restrictions remain in place for the area. Maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, and use of charcoal briquette barbecues, or other devices that use solid fuel is prohibited across most of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. An Industrial Fire Precaution Level III is in effect which does not allow any firewood cutting with a power saw for commercial or personal use.
On Sunday there was active burning in Drake Creek at the south end of the fire, and in the East Fork Pasayten Creek and Deception Pass at the north end. Fire growth was 458 acres at the north end. Smoke columns were seen in the Methow Valley.
Helicopter water drops were used to hold the fire in Drake Creek and keep it from moving into Pat Creek, while firefighters flew in for a short mission to maintain sprinklers at Hidden Lakes cabins.Chippers are continuing to treat slash created as part of the preparation work on the indirect fire line along Ortell Creek Road. In addition, a road grader and three water tenders are working on the Goat Creek Road to repair road impacts caused by suppression efforts.
Fire behavior on Monday will be continued movement to the north, and burning of interior islands, with active burning during the night. Smoke will continue to affect air quality in the upper Methow Valley.
All information was taken from Okanogan County Emergency Management and the inciweb webiste.
