WAOWF Easy Fire

Last updated: 2024-07-30

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The type of incident is Wildfire and involves the following unit(s) Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

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State: Washington

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Coordinates:

Latitude: 48° 35 .82 Longitude: 120° 47 .41

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NOTE: All fire perimeters and points are approximations.

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Incident Overview: The Easy Fire, burning in dense timber in the Methow Valley 17 air miles west of the Mazama community, was sparked by dry lightning storms on the evening of July 17, 2024. Crews responded and immediately reported explosive fire growth and running crown fire into the evening. Crews stayed on the fire overnight but weeks of extreme temperatures, record dry conditions, and dangerous terrain with no road access hampered initial response efforts.  Natural features on the north and south are being used to limit fire spread on the Easy Fire. Fire managers are using a combination of ground crews to put in containment lines and air resources to cool off hotspots with water. Steep drainages and ridgelines limit the ability of air tanker pilots to safely fly the fire area even if retardant were effective in dense timber where typically, little if any retardant reaches the ground.