FIRE REPORT: Oct. 3, 2025
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months AGO
MOSES LAKE — Three larger fires were mostly contained this week with no further updates to be provided. There are around 132,000 acres actively burning in Washington as of Thursday afternoon, around 35,000 fewer than Monday.
The Rattlesnake Fire, formerly the third-largest fire in the state at around 22,000 acres, is now 96% contained.
The Crown Creek Fire, scorching around 14,000 acres, is now 93% contained. The Katy Creek Fire, burning nearly 5,000 acres, is 98% contained.
These fires were causing air quality concerns regionally. As the Columbia Basin goes into the work week, there are several cities where the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups Monday and Tuesday.
Three largest fires:
Lower Sugarloaf: 39,594 acres. 48% contained. Chelan County. Started Sept. 1. Lightning-caused.
Labor Mountain: 37,239 acres. 7% contained. Kittitas County. Started Sept. 1. Lightning-caused
Bear Gulch: 20,185 acres. 5% contained. Mason County. Started July 6. Human-caused.
Other fires:
Lynx Mountain: 9,201 acres. 63% contained. Ferry County. Started Sept. 2. Under investigation.
Martin: 388 acres. 67% contained. Chelan County. Started Aug. 27. Under investigation.
Perry: 1,772 acres. 61% contained. Whatcom County. Started Aug. 27. Under investigation.
Pomas: 3,618 acres. 60% contained. Chelan County. Started June 13. Lightning-caused.
Snow Peak: 1,147 acres. No containment. Stevens County. Started Sept. 1. Lightning caused.
Tacoma Creek: 3,961 acres. 90% contained. Stevens and Pend Oreille counties. Started Sept. 1. Under investigation.
Tunnel Creek: 581 acres. No containment. Jefferson County. Started Sept. 6. Unknown cause.
Wildcat: 14,316 acres. 5% contained. Yakima County. Started Aug. 25. Under investigation.
Air quality:
To look at the current air quality in the area, visit AirNow.gov. Air quality labels are decided by the air quality index number. The Columbia Basin is starting to see an improvement in air quality with most areas having good or moderate air quality.
Ephrata – Thursday: good. Friday: moderate. Saturday: moderate. Sunday: moderate. Monday: moderate.
Moses Lake – Thursday: good. Friday: good. Saturday: good. Sunday: good. Monday: good.
Othello – Thursday: good. Friday: good. Saturday: good. Sunday: good. Monday: good.
Quincy – Thursday: good. Friday: moderate. Saturday: moderate. Sunday: moderate. Monday: moderate.
Ritzville – Thursday: good. Friday: good. Saturday: good. Sunday: good. Monday: good.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘Show up’
Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust
WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.
Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
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Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
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