Washington fire officials hope break in weather stalls wildfire growth

Staff | KING-TV, Seattle, Wash.

Officials hope that a break in the weather will allow firefighters to contain a series of wildfires in northern Washington that left three firefighters dead, and forced many from their homes.

While thousands of people remain under evacuation orders, some residents affected by the Okanogan Complex of wildfires will be escorted to their homes on Saturday, according to fire officials. Officials do not have an accurate count of how many homes have been destroyed by the fires.

Fire spokesman Rick Isaacson said the Okanogan Complex of wildfires measured 355 square miles on Saturday, the AP reported. He said since Friday the fire has grown 100 square miles.

Firefighters should get a break in the weather Saturday, when winds are expected to calm significantly. But that will mean air quality issues for the Inland Northwest as the smoke will have no place to go.

The smoke also makes it hard for aircraft making fire and retardant drops to see the fire lines.

On Friday, Pres. Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration, ordering federal aid to assist in battling the state's wildfires.

The White House said the declaration allows FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts. The order specifically covers Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Klickitat, Okanogan, Pend Orielle, Skamania, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima counties. It also brings aid to the Colville, Spokane, Kalispel, and Yakima tribes.

The news comes as firefighting resources are being stretched thin. National Guard soldiers headed to the fire lines Friday and, for the first time in state history, volunteers are being asked to fight the fires. Washington officials say more than 3,000 people have called and emailed in response to the state's request for volunteer help with wildfires.

Contributing: Associated Press