KELLER, Wash. — Latest Updates can be found here.
Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations have been issued for the Swawilla Fire burning near Keller in Okanogan & Ferry Counties. The fire has burned over 43,352 acres and is only 10% contained.
Evacuations
Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations are in place in these areas:
- North along Manila Creek Road, from Highway 21 to approximately where Swawilla Basin Road intersects with Manila Creek Road/Peter Dan Road
- Residents of Peter Dan Road, McGinnis Lake, Reynolds Resort, Belvedere, and Seatons Grove
- Everything from the junction of Joe Moses Road and Buffalo Lake Road to Cache Creek Road
- Everything south of Cache Creek Road to the junction with State Highway 21 and south to the Columbia River
- Everything west to Hells Canyon and then Northwest to just north of Elmer city at Hwy 155; then north of Hwy 155 to the junction with Joe Moses Road
- Town of Keller
Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are in place in these areas:
- From Cow Creek Road (Hwy 21 - MP120) to Silver Creek Road on Highway 21
Road Closures
- Swawilla Basin Road is closed except to local residents. Crews are actively working and burning along the road
- Manilla Creek Road is closed due to the fire burning over the roadway
- All roads south of Cache Creek are closed
- Bridge Creek Road is OPEN
- Buffalo Lake Road down to Peter Dan Road is OPEN
Other closures
- SanPoil Boat Launch located at Swawilla Basin Road/Hwy 21 is closed due to Level 3 evacuations in the area
- Keller Ferry has resumed limited operations to assist with fire evacuation. Those affected by Swawilla Fire should use SR 21 to the north landing. Crews are operating the vessel from north to south only. Crews will run the vessel all night for anyone needing evacuation.
Fire officials say the Swawilla fire is burning 9 miles southwest of Keller, Washington. As of Sunday, July 28, a dozer line has been constructed along the west side of Keller in hopes of keeping the fire out of the town.
The Colville Tribes Environmental Trust Program reports the fire was sparked by a lightning strike.
FEMA authorized a Federal Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) which means FEMA will be available to pay 75% of eligible firefighting costs.
This is the third FMAG to be issued in 2024 to fight Washington wildfires.