This map shows the extent of the Cougar Creek Fire just north of Wallowa County in Washington on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The blaze was 0% contained.

TROY — The Cougar Creek Fire burning just north of Wallowa County’s border with Washington is moving west, officials say, prompting a Level 2 evacuation warning for the Grouse Flat area in Wallowa County and Washington’s Garfield County. 

In Wallowa County, the evacuation notice covers Grouse Flat from Bear Creek north to state and Garfield County lines all the way to the Grande Ronde River.

Under a Level 2 evacuation warning, residents are urged to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. If evacuation is ordered, there may not be enough time to pack belongings. Residents who believe they or their loved ones may not have enough time to pack if evacuation is ordered should consider leaving now.

The fire, burning about 35 miles southwest of Dayton, Washington, has grown to an estimated 8,271 acres, but firefighters have started to contain the blaze. A Sunday update on the fire reported that it was 23% contained, but full containment now is not expected until Aug. 1 or thereabouts.

However, hot and dry conditions continue to complicate firefighters’ efforts.

Cause of the fire is under investigation.

No injuries have yet been reported due to the fire. Fire officials said one residence has been destroyed by the fire and 100 remain threatened. Three minor structures have been destroyed and five damaged; some 300 remain threatened.

On Saturday, officials said, a spot fire — sparked by embers crossing from one side of the valley to the other — crossed Wenatchee Creek in high elevation, north of residences, and was burning to the northwest.

Airborne resources slowed the progression of the spot fire to allow for ground crews to battle the blaze.

Officials said firefighting efforts have been successful on the southern half of Wenatchee Creek, following Grande Ronde to Hanson Creek to establish containment. The work in the Wenatchee Creek area includes establishing hose lays and building buldozer lines.

In all, 435 firefighters are battling the Cougar Creek fire, and the effort includes two air platforms, five helicopters and three air tankers. 

But the weather continues to be an issue. Officials said the fire on Sunday was expected to be plume-dominated, driven by wind circulation created by strong convection above the fire. Coupled with a temperatures expected in the triple digits, and a 10% chance of thunderstorms Sunday night in the area, firefighters are facing a situation that could generate extreme fire growth.

Smoke will continue to be moderate across the area near Troy, Anatone, and Clarkston for the next few days. People who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution may consider reducing their activity levels or shortening the amount of time they’re active outdoors. Current air conditions are available at the website AirNow.gov.

The Grande Ronde Road remains closed from Troy to the Highway 129 junction. Forest officials have temporarily closed the southeastern portion of the Pomeroy Ranger District, located in Asotin County with small portions in Wallowa and Garfield counties, to help ensure the safety of members of the public and firefighters.