Inchelium, Wash.– Evacuations are expanding for the Modrite Fire burning in Ferry County. Among these new evacuations is the town of Inchelium, now in a Level 2 (Be Ready to Leave) order as of Thursday morning. As a result of this, the evacuation shelter for the fire is being moved from the Inchelium Community Center to Kettle Falls Middle School according to the Colville Tribal Broadcast System.
Fire crews report they were forced to retreat for safety on Wednesday afternoon as conditions became extreme. The fire exploded in size on Wednesday, growing by around 8000 acres or 12.5 square miles in just 24 hours. Crews are preparing today to protect structures and battle the fire along the shore of Lake Roosevelt, where they say winds coming across the lake are helping fan the flames.
The explosive growth of the fire and winds from the south will lower air quality to some of the worst in the state around Inchelium, Kettle Falls, and Colville throughout Thursday.
Additional information on the Modrite Fire can be found here.
COPYRIGHT 2026 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
