State fire resources were mobilized on July 9 and July 8 to assist with two wildfires in Okanogan and Kittitas counties, according to Washington State Patrol public records. The B and O Fire in Okanogan County, which began July 9 at 2:14 p.m., is burning at 2,000 acres and threatening homes, while the Ryegrass Coulee Fire in Kittitas County, starting July 8 at 4:51 p.m., covers 600 acres and is endangering structures in Vantage.
Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are active for both fires. The State Fire Marshal’s Office advises residents to monitor air quality through AirNow and use respirators when outside. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating resource dispatch for both fires, with five wildland strike teams ordered for the B and O Fire.