Updated: Evacuation ordered along Columbia River Road to Omak

Update 6-17-26 4:10 pm

The Kartar and Omak Road Fires have merged and now total about 6500 acres burned. The Level 3 evacuation is still in place. Roads are still closed. Firefighters were prepping around structures and holding fire along control lines, according to an update from Mount Tolman Fire Center. The fire currently has 40 personnel fighting it. Air support currently includes an air tactical plane, a DC-10 Type 1 Very Large Tanker, A DC-9 Type 1 LAT, and a Type 2 Airtanker. A Type 3 team is in briefing today at 4 p.m. and will take over at 6 a.m.

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A large area along the Columbia River Road and Omak Lake Road is under a Level 3 (immediate evacuation) order issued at 8:08 p.m. Tuesday night, June 16, an Okanogan County Emergency Management notice said.

The size of the Kartar Fire was reported at 1,700 acres as of 9:40 p.m. June 16, via Watch Duty.

"There are several fires in these areas," the notice states. "Columbia River Road is CLOSED at State Route 155 and at Cameron Lake-Omak Lake Road on the north and south of Kartar Road on the south.

"Persons should be aware of their surroundings and take action immediately!

"Be cautious of emergency vehicles responding.

"Do not wait for door-to-door notification, EVACUATE NOW!

"This may be your only notice, Evacuate now.

"Emergency Management will be monitoring the situation and will update when needed.

"Again this is a Level 3 Immediate Evacuation for Kartar Valley Road, Columbia River Road near Omak Lake and south end of Omak Lake Road for a fast-moving Wildland Fire., Omak, WA

Where to find official information:

Okanogan County Active Incidents

OKANOGAN COUNTY ADVISORY MAP