KELLER, Wash. — Evacuations have been upgraded and expanded for a wildfire burning in Nespelem, Washington. According to the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 6, level 3 evacuations have been issued for the town of Keller.
The Keller Ferry is reopened and providing aid to those who must evacuate.
The full level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are as follows:
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 12 and south to the Colombia River
Everything west to Hells Canyon and then northwest to just north of Elmer City at Highway 155; then north of Highway 155 to the junction with Joe Moses Road
Residents of Peter Dan Road, McGinnis Lake, Reynolds Resort, Belvedere, and Seatons Grove.
Keller area
Level 2 evacuations are as follows:
- From Cow Creek Road (Hwy 21 - MP120) to Silver Creek Road on Highway 21
You can find a map of the evacuation zones in the post below.
Additionally, several areas have limited access due to the fire.
- Peter Dan/Manila Road is closed
- Swawilla Basin Road is closed
- SanPoil Boat Launch is closed
Fire officials say the Swawilla fire is burning 9 miles southwest of Keller, Washington. The fire has burned 30,667 acres so far, according to Rich Cowger, incident commander for the fire. The fire is 0% contained.
The Colville Tribes Environmental Trust Program reports the fire was sparked by a lightning strike.
The Program also said more firefighters are being called to help put out the fire. The Colville Tribes Environmental Trust Program also said crews are doing extra work as they prepare for a windy day on Wednesday, working around the north and west sides of the fire to help prevent potential spreading and damage from Wednesday's forecasted winds.
Colville Tribes Emergency Management has opened an evacuation center at the Keller Senior Meal Site, which is at 7 Jim James Rd, Keller, WA 99140.
Two other evacuation shelters are in place at Lake Roosevelt High School Gym and at Pascal Sherman Indian School.
As of Thursday July 25, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs.
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.