HOPE

## Hope Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Hope Fire ignited on July 8, 2025, around 1:15 p.m. PDT. The fire's origin is approximately 15 miles north of Kettle Falls, Washington, and 5 miles southwest of Northport, Washington. **Size and Containment**: As of July 27, 2025, the Hope Fire has burned approximately 8,000 acres and is 75% contained. Previous reports indicated the fire had reached 7,891 acres with 35% containment as of July 21, 2025. On July 14, 2025, the fire had grown to 7,117 acres and was 8% contained. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is burning in timber, brush, and grass. In its initial stages, the fire exhibited rapid growth, driven by high winds and spreading north. Fuels on and adjacent to the fire are well ahead of seasonal curing, with dead fuels at or near the 97th percentile, contributing to active fire behavior. This includes slope and wind-driven surface fire, single and small group torching, and short-range spotting. **Containment Efforts**: Unified Command is in place, with Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 8 managing the incident. Over 400 firefighters were working on the fire as of July 27, 2025, focusing on mopping up fire lines on the north-to-northwest side of the fire. Steep and rugged terrain is presenting challenges for securing fire lines. Firefighters are working to build direct line on the north side of the fire and reinforce lines on the east and west perimeters. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Current Evacuation Orders**: As of July 27, 2025, Level 1 ("Get Ready") and Level 2 ("Get Set") evacuation orders remain in effect for areas surrounding the fire. Previous reports indicated Level 3 ("Go Now") evacuations were in place. **Evacuation Shelters**: The Red Cross Evacuation Center at Kettle Falls Middle School is now operating on an on-call basis. The Animal Evacuation Center at the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds remains open. **Impacted Population**: While specific numbers of people impacted by evacuations are not detailed, the fire has threatened homes and structures. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** * NFS Road 1520 (Lael Road) from the intersection with Churchill Mines Road to the intersection with Northport Flat Creek Road. * NFS Roads 9560290 and 9560200 (E. Fork Crown Creek Rd) from the intersection with Sheep Creek Road to the intersection with Northport Flat Creek Road. * Northport Flat Creek Road and several other roads closer to the fire are closed for public safety. **For more information, visit:** * Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook page: [https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem/](https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem/) * Inciweb: [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wanes-hope-fire](https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wanes-hope-fire) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Structures Impacted**: Two primary residences have been confirmed lost, and an estimated 20 additional structures have been impacted. Another report mentioned two structures being affected by the fire. **Lives Lost and Injuries**: No injuries or fatalities have been reported. **Power Outages**: No specific information on power outages has been reported. **School and Business Closures**: No specific information on school or business closures has been reported. **Notable Impacts**: The fire has burned in areas near the Colville National Forest. **Safety Concerns:** **Burn Bans/Fire Restrictions**: While not explicitly stated for the Hope Fire, wildfire season is active in Washington, and dry, breezy winds have been contributing to increased fire danger. Many areas in Eastern Washington are subject to fire restrictions, including bans on campfires and other open flames. **Air Quality**: Smoke from wildfires has been blanketing parts of Eastern Washington, triggering air quality alerts. However, as of July 24, 2025, air quality in Central Washington was reported as good, with ideal conditions for most individuals. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and use air purifiers if air quality is a concern. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: Firefighters are working to strengthen containment lines, with a focus on mopping up and securing existing lines. The rugged terrain is a significant factor in the pace of containment efforts. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: The forecast for the Hope Fire area indicates a continuation of warm and dry conditions. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s at lower elevations and high 80s on slopes and ridges, with relative humidity in the mid-20s to low 30s. Winds are expected to increase in the afternoon, from 7-10 mph out of the southwest, potentially increasing to 10-15 mph. While specific Red Flag Warnings are not detailed in recent reports, the overall conditions of dry fuels and increasing winds contribute to elevated fire danger. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The cause of the Hope Fire is currently under investigation. **Weather and Climate**: The fire ignited and spread rapidly in conditions characterized by dry fuels, breezy winds, and warmer, drier weather, which are typical factors that increase fire danger during wildfire season. The dry conditions and fuels are well ahead of seasonal curing, exacerbating fire behavior. ### For more information, visit: * Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook page: [https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem/](https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem/) * Inciweb - Hope Fire: [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wanes-hope-fire](https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wanes-hope-fire) * Washington State Department of Natural Resources: [https://www.dnr.wa.gov/](https://www.dnr.wa.gov/)

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