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Public Safety

Two Fires Trigger State Fire Mobilizations

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State fire resources were mobilized on July 9 and July 8 for two wildfires threatening communities in Okanogan and Kittitas counties. The B and O Fire, which started July 9 at 2:14 p.m. and is now 2,000 acres, prompted Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire, ignited July 8 at 4:51 p.m. and at 600 acres, also triggered evacuations.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilizations at the request of local fire chiefs. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating resources, including five wildland strike teams. The State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation. Residents are advised to monitor air quality due to smoke impacts.

📄 Source: Washington State Patrol https://wsp.wa.gov/
Checked against the public record16 of 16 claims · 100%

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

  • State fire resources were mobilized on July 9Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brad Armstrong, Okanogan County Fire District 3.
  • State fire resources were mobilized on July 8State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 8, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief William Rose, Kittitas County Fire District 4.
  • Two wildfires threatening communities in Okanogan and Kittitas counties were addressedState Fire Mobilization Authorized for the B and O Fire — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:49:21 +0000 July 9, 2026 Okanogan County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the B and O Fire located in Okanogan County, near the town of Okanogan. ... State Fire Mobilization Authorized for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:43:11 +0000 July 8, 2026 Kittitas County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage.
  • The B and O Fire started July 9 at 2:14 p.m.The B and O Fire started on July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m.
  • The B and O Fire is now 2,000 acresThis fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.
  • The B and O Fire prompted Level 2 and Level 3 evacuationsLevel 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.
  • The Ryegrass Coulee Fire was ignited July 8 at 4:51 p.m.The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m.
  • The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is at 600 acresThis fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.
  • The Ryegrass Coulee Fire also triggered evacuationsLevel 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.
  • Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilizationsWashington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brad Armstrong, Okanogan County Fire District 3.
  • Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilizations at the request of local fire chiefsWashington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brad Armstrong, Okanogan County Fire District 3.
  • State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating resourcesState Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.
  • State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating resources, including five wildland strike teamsMobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered five wildland strike teams to aid in containment efforts. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activationThe State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the B and O Fire.
  • Residents are advised to monitor air qualityDuring wildfire season, be sure to check air quality before engaging in outdoor activities, especially if you are sensitive to pollutants and irritants. Check out resources such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to get a real-time look at air quality in your area.
  • Residents are advised to monitor air quality due to smoke impactsDuring wildfire season, be sure to check air quality before engaging in outdoor activities, especially if you are sensitive to pollutants and irritants. Check out resources such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to get a real-time look at air quality in your area.

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