SPOKANE, WA – State fire assistance has been mobilized in response to two separate wildfires that began on Wednesday in eastern Washington.
The Apple Acres Fire, located in Chelan County near the city of Chelan and Alta Lake in Okanogan County, began at approximately 3:28 p.m. on July 2. As of the latest report, the fire was last estimated at 2,000 acres and is actively growing. It is burning through grass and sagebrush and poses a threat to homes and infrastructure in the area. Level 2 evacuation notices have been issued. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
In response, Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources at 7:30 p.m. following a request from Fire Chief Brandon Asher of Chelan Fire and Rescue. Three strike teams have been ordered to assist with containment efforts. Personnel from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are on site and coordinating resources remotely. The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has activated to Level 3 to support response operations…