OKANOGAN COUNTY, Wash. — The Ptarmigan Fire has burned 24,516 acres in Okanogan County, fire officials confirmed Thursday.
Fire officials believe the wildfire, which is burning about 20 miles NW of Mazama, was started by lightning. It was discovered on July 17 and is about 40% contained as of Sunday, August 16.
Fire Information
Below is a partial update from Sunday morning’s press release. You can find the full release here.
“Little to no fire growth occurred within the last day. Fire activity continues on the southern end of the fire in the in heavy fuels in Rock Creek drainage and Middle and West Fork Pasayten River drainages. Road improvements are mostly completed, but further grading and graveling are expected to be completed by mid-week. Demobilization of excess crews and equipment is continuing.
During yesterday’s operation, a water tender working on the Ptarmigan Fire left the roadway and slid down the embankment of Goat Creek Road. The operator was quickly transported by ambulance to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries. Our thoughts are with the operator and their family, and we are grateful for the quick and professional response of the medical staff on scene.
Mastication work continues along Forest Service Road (FSR) 52. The control line from Yellowjacket Sno-Park to Sweetgrass Butte is complete. Resources will also remain available to support initial attack efforts on any new fires near the Ptarmigan Fire including those from the recent lightning."
Safety and Closures: The public is asked to avoid the FSR 5200 while improvements occur. Several closures remain in place on the Okanogan‑Wenatchee National Forest, including Harts Pass Road at Monument Creek Trailhead and the PCT from the West Fork Methow Trail. Level 2 fire restrictions are in effect. More details: fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee
Evacuations: There are no current evacuations in place for this fire. For more information, visit the Okanogan County Emergency Management page: okanogancounty.gov
Fire Restrictions: Level 2 fire restrictions are in effect. More details: fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee
More details: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waowf-ptarmigan-fire and facebook.com/ptarmiganfireinfo2026