08/06/2026
This is great information! Thank you Mayor for your hard work!
We are coming to grips with the extent of the Sinlahekin Fire...đź’”
I want to briefly highlight some topics.
Daily, I have been attending the cooperative meetings at the CAL Fire Camp. This brings all the teams assisting on this fire together to address concerns, get feedback, and ensure communication is happening amongst local, state and federal agencies. I wanted to share some key takeaways for you:
Evacuation Status
Evacuation status is determined by a coordinated effort between Emergency Management, CAL Fire, and our Sheriff's Department. They gauge fire conditions; flare-ups, smoke, and ash temperatures etc. Roadblocks and evacuation statuses are there to protect area homes from vandals and deter onlookers so emergency crews can get where they need to go without traffic congestion or additional incidents. Please continue to observe the warnings. We are seeing active fire flare-ups, and crews need clear access to reach them. This process takes time and they will change evacuation status as the areas are cleared.
Loss of Structures
Emergency Management is working with CAL Fire and our Sheriff's Department to safely access burned areas to determine losses. Current reports show that 33 structures have been lost, though the specific types of structures are not confirmed at this time as numbers are still coming in. If you know someone who has lost a structure—such as a home, garage, or shed—please have them report it to Emergency Management at 509-422-7348 as soon as possible.
Fire Camp Location
The CAL Fire Camp has moved to Chief Tonasket Park. This camp is dedicated to our safety and will remain here for the foreseeable future. Thank you all for your support as we navigate more than double the usual number of residents within city limits. This has greatly impacted our roads, businesses, and residents, but I see people constantly going out of their way to support all the fire personnel. It truly takes a village. As of last night there were over 1900 people at Camp and assisting with the fire.
Community Support and Resources
The Community Cultural Center is our current support center. Their team along with Oroville/Tonasket disaster relief are available to help process losses and connect citizens to support agencies. They are serving three meals a day and are inviting anyone who needs to rest, reset, and connect to come in and use their space. Additionally, we are setting up a resource center at La Ultima for our Latino community. Clothing donations can be dropped off at the Tiger Way store in Tonasket, and evacuees will receive gift certificates through the shelter.
If you would like to help and you do not know how, please reach out to [email protected] and I can get you connected.
Communication
CAL Fire 4 is coordinating a Facebook Live broadcast every evening at 7:00 PM on the Central Washington Fire Information page, alongside in-person meetings. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get a current understanding of fire status and operations. You can also continue to find updates from Emergency Management Alerts and the Sheriff's Department. Tonasket High School will host the next in-person meeting on August 8 at 2:00 PM.
Power
Our Public Utility District is working long and diligent hours to restore power. Thank you for your hard work, coordination, and advocacy with CAL Fire.
Reach out, I'm here for you if you need anything.
Alisa Weddle
City of Tonasket, Mayor
