Wildfire prompts evacuations near Brewster as blaze grows to 1,000 acres

BREWSTER - A rapidly spreading wildfire in North Central Washington has prompted evacuation orders and warnings for residents in parts of Okanogan County on Tuesday, as firefighters battle to contain the blaze amid dry and windy conditions.

The fire, dubbed the Jack Wells Fire, was first reported at 1:05 p.m. on Tuesday, initially covering 20 acres. By 5:26 p.m., it had exploded to an estimated 1,000 acres, according to local emergency management officials.

Okanogan County Emergency Management issued a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation order at 4:31 p.m. for residents in the area of Cameron Lake Road, Delfeld Road, Snyder Flat Cutoff Road, and the Alkali Pond area near Brewster.

Earlier in the afternoon, authorities had issued a Level 2 "Be Ready" evacuation warning for the area around Gamble Sands Golf Course and State Route 17 near Bridgeport. This warning remains in effect as of Tuesday evening.

Charlayne Knapp, a local resident whose ranch is located just east of Gamble Sands Resort, described the scene. "It's pretty bad north of us in the Delfield Road area," Knapp said in a phone interview at 5 p.m.

The fire is reported to be moving in a northwesterly direction, driven by winds and fueled by dry vegetation. Emergency responders are advising residents in the affected areas to evacuate towards State Route 97.

Local fire departments, supported by state and federal resources, are working to contain the blaze. Aircraft have been observed conducting water and retardant drops in an attempt to slow the fire's spread.

Okanogan County Emergency Management is providing updates on its website and urging residents to stay informed about the evolving situation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.