A US Forest Service fire danger sign lists current fire condition as 'Extreme', 10 miles south of Chelan, WA, August 22, 2015. Three Firefighters were killed August 19, 2015 while battling fires on Twisp River Road near Twisp in Okanogan County, WA.

A US Forest Service fire danger sign lists current fire condition as 'Extreme', 10 miles south of Chelan, WA, August 22, 2015. Three Firefighters were killed August 19, 2015 while battling fires on Twisp River Road near Twisp in Okanogan County, WA.

 Firefighters are briefed on night shift assignments at the Incident Command Post Omak, Saturday August 22, 2015. Fire crews from around the United States, some from as far away as New Jersey, assemble here to receive their assignments before deployi

Firefighters are briefed on night shift assignments at the Incident Command Post Omak, Saturday August 22, 2015. Fire crews from around the United States, some from as far away as New Jersey, assemble here to receive their assignments before deploying to the field.

 Incident Commander Todd Pachota briefs the media at the Incident Command Post Omak after a night of fire activity in Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015. Level 3 Evacuation Levels were expanded at this time to include Malott, Aenes Valley, Conco

Incident Commander Todd Pachota briefs the media at the Incident Command Post Omak after a night of fire activity in Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015. Level 3 Evacuation Levels were expanded at this time to include Malott, Aenes Valley, Conconully, Omak Flats/Green Acres (North), Twisp River Road, and the Tunk Area. Level 3 status is issued to areas most urgently threatened by wildfire activity.

 Evacuees monitor fire expansion at Red Cross Shelter Brewster High School, Brewster, WA, Saturday August 22, 2015. The Red Cross partnered with a number of schools and community centers in Okanogan County to provide food and shelter for an ever-fluc

Evacuees monitor fire expansion at Red Cross Shelter Brewster High School, Brewster, WA, Saturday August 22, 2015. The Red Cross partnered with a number of schools and community centers in Okanogan County to provide food and shelter for an ever-fluctuating number of evacuees.

 Okanogan County evacuee Laura Griffin shows the makeshift bed created for her Father, Martin Silverhawk, 91 (not pictured), in aisle 52 of Home Depot, Omak.  Home Depot Omak became a relief point for many displaced residents who were seeking food an

Okanogan County evacuee Laura Griffin shows the makeshift bed created for her Father, Martin Silverhawk, 91 (not pictured), in aisle 52 of Home Depot, Omak. Home Depot Omak became a relief point for many displaced residents who were seeking food and shelter due to the Okanogan Complex fire.

 Journalists and Firefighters observe smoke plumes rising from the Okanogan Complex Fire on Salmon Creek Road, South Central Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015. Salmon Creek road contains a number of residential structures that fire crews sought

Journalists and Firefighters observe smoke plumes rising from the Okanogan Complex Fire on Salmon Creek Road, South Central Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015. Salmon Creek road contains a number of residential structures that fire crews sought to protect.

 Fire Fighters secure a residential property partially burned by the Okanogan Complex fire on Salmon Creek Road, Sunday August 23, 2015. Due to the size and speed of the Okanogan Complex Fire, Firefighters often arrive after most fire damage is done,

Fire Fighters secure a residential property partially burned by the Okanogan Complex fire on Salmon Creek Road, Sunday August 23, 2015. Due to the size and speed of the Okanogan Complex Fire, Firefighters often arrive after most fire damage is done, leaving property owners to defend their own homes until help arrives.

 Fire fighters observe weather conditions at Omak Airport, Sunday August 23, 2015. An inverted weather pattern promoted smoky conditions in Okanogan County that slowed fire growth but also grounded fire-fighting aircraft.

Fire fighters observe weather conditions at Omak Airport, Sunday August 23, 2015. An inverted weather pattern promoted smoky conditions in Okanogan County that slowed fire growth but also grounded fire-fighting aircraft.

 Spot Fires burn in the hills above residential structures on Salmon Creek Road, Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015.

Spot Fires burn in the hills above residential structures on Salmon Creek Road, Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015.

 A residence stands next to the fire line in Omak, Monday August 24, 2015.

A residence stands next to the fire line in Omak, Monday August 24, 2015.

 The Moon observed through smoky conditions in Okanogan County August 23, 2015. Air quality levels for towns in Okanogan County were often rated as “hazardous” at this time by the Washington Department of Ecology.

The Moon observed through smoky conditions in Okanogan County August 23, 2015. Air quality levels for towns in Okanogan County were often rated as “hazardous” at this time by the Washington Department of Ecology.

 A US National Guard Humvee leaves the Incident Command Post Omak with a Fire vehicle following behind Monday August 24, 2015. Members of the US National Guard from Joint Base Lewis McChord were called in to support fire-fighting efforts in Okanogan

A US National Guard Humvee leaves the Incident Command Post Omak with a Fire vehicle following behind Monday August 24, 2015. Members of the US National Guard from Joint Base Lewis McChord were called in to support fire-fighting efforts in Okanogan County after The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise asked the Department of Defense to provide 200 military personnel to support fire fighting efforts in Eastern Washington.

 Allan Williams observes scorched hills in front of his home in central Okanogan County, Monday August 24, 2015. Two nights before, Allan assisted firefighters as they cut a fire line with a tractor and other equipment so fire would not spread to his

Allan Williams observes scorched hills in front of his home in central Okanogan County, Monday August 24, 2015. Two nights before, Allan assisted firefighters as they cut a fire line with a tractor and other equipment so fire would not spread to his property.

 The Sun observed through thick smoke in Chelan county Monday, August 24, 2015. By this time the weather inversion had began to lift, bringing clearer skies and increased winds.

The Sun observed through thick smoke in Chelan county Monday, August 24, 2015. By this time the weather inversion had began to lift, bringing clearer skies and increased winds.

 "Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, lifts off from Lake Chelan Airport, Tuesday August 25, 2015. Commercial fire fighting has been crucial in containing fires throughout Washington State.

"Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, lifts off from Lake Chelan Airport, Tuesday August 25, 2015. Commercial fire fighting has been crucial in containing fires throughout Washington State.

 "Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, approaches Lake Chelan near Manson, WA, to refill its water tank, Tuesday August 25, 2015. "Hulk" has been modified to hold 2,650-gallons of fresh or salt water that is refille

"Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, approaches Lake Chelan near Manson, WA, to refill its water tank, Tuesday August 25, 2015. "Hulk" has been modified to hold 2,650-gallons of fresh or salt water that is refilled in as little as 30 seconds via a hydrofoil attachment.

 An Apache Helicopter returns to Lake Chelan to refill its water bucket, Tuesday August 25, 2015. A variety of private, commercial, and state aircraft are used to fight Washington's wildfires.

An Apache Helicopter returns to Lake Chelan to refill its water bucket, Tuesday August 25, 2015. A variety of private, commercial, and state aircraft are used to fight Washington's wildfires.

 "Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, approaches Lake Chelan near Manson, WA, to refill its water tank, Tuesday August 25, 2015. "Hulk" has been modified to hold 2,650-gallons of fresh or salt water that is refille

"Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, approaches Lake Chelan near Manson, WA, to refill its water tank, Tuesday August 25, 2015. "Hulk" has been modified to hold 2,650-gallons of fresh or salt water that is refilled in as little as 30 seconds via a hydrofoil attachment.

 A US Forest Service fire danger sign lists current fire condition as 'Extreme', 10 miles south of Chelan, WA, August 22, 2015. Three Firefighters were killed August 19, 2015 while battling fires on Twisp River Road near Twisp in Okanogan County, WA.
 Firefighters are briefed on night shift assignments at the Incident Command Post Omak, Saturday August 22, 2015. Fire crews from around the United States, some from as far away as New Jersey, assemble here to receive their assignments before deployi
 Incident Commander Todd Pachota briefs the media at the Incident Command Post Omak after a night of fire activity in Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015. Level 3 Evacuation Levels were expanded at this time to include Malott, Aenes Valley, Conco
 Evacuees monitor fire expansion at Red Cross Shelter Brewster High School, Brewster, WA, Saturday August 22, 2015. The Red Cross partnered with a number of schools and community centers in Okanogan County to provide food and shelter for an ever-fluc
 Okanogan County evacuee Laura Griffin shows the makeshift bed created for her Father, Martin Silverhawk, 91 (not pictured), in aisle 52 of Home Depot, Omak.  Home Depot Omak became a relief point for many displaced residents who were seeking food an
 Journalists and Firefighters observe smoke plumes rising from the Okanogan Complex Fire on Salmon Creek Road, South Central Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015. Salmon Creek road contains a number of residential structures that fire crews sought
 Fire Fighters secure a residential property partially burned by the Okanogan Complex fire on Salmon Creek Road, Sunday August 23, 2015. Due to the size and speed of the Okanogan Complex Fire, Firefighters often arrive after most fire damage is done,
 Fire fighters observe weather conditions at Omak Airport, Sunday August 23, 2015. An inverted weather pattern promoted smoky conditions in Okanogan County that slowed fire growth but also grounded fire-fighting aircraft.
 Spot Fires burn in the hills above residential structures on Salmon Creek Road, Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015.
 A residence stands next to the fire line in Omak, Monday August 24, 2015.
 The Moon observed through smoky conditions in Okanogan County August 23, 2015. Air quality levels for towns in Okanogan County were often rated as “hazardous” at this time by the Washington Department of Ecology.
 A US National Guard Humvee leaves the Incident Command Post Omak with a Fire vehicle following behind Monday August 24, 2015. Members of the US National Guard from Joint Base Lewis McChord were called in to support fire-fighting efforts in Okanogan
 Allan Williams observes scorched hills in front of his home in central Okanogan County, Monday August 24, 2015. Two nights before, Allan assisted firefighters as they cut a fire line with a tractor and other equipment so fire would not spread to his
 The Sun observed through thick smoke in Chelan county Monday, August 24, 2015. By this time the weather inversion had began to lift, bringing clearer skies and increased winds.
 "Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, lifts off from Lake Chelan Airport, Tuesday August 25, 2015. Commercial fire fighting has been crucial in containing fires throughout Washington State.
 "Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, approaches Lake Chelan near Manson, WA, to refill its water tank, Tuesday August 25, 2015. "Hulk" has been modified to hold 2,650-gallons of fresh or salt water that is refille
 An Apache Helicopter returns to Lake Chelan to refill its water bucket, Tuesday August 25, 2015. A variety of private, commercial, and state aircraft are used to fight Washington's wildfires.
 "Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, approaches Lake Chelan near Manson, WA, to refill its water tank, Tuesday August 25, 2015. "Hulk" has been modified to hold 2,650-gallons of fresh or salt water that is refille

A US Forest Service fire danger sign lists current fire condition as 'Extreme', 10 miles south of Chelan, WA, August 22, 2015. Three Firefighters were killed August 19, 2015 while battling fires on Twisp River Road near Twisp in Okanogan County, WA.

Firefighters are briefed on night shift assignments at the Incident Command Post Omak, Saturday August 22, 2015. Fire crews from around the United States, some from as far away as New Jersey, assemble here to receive their assignments before deploying to the field.

Incident Commander Todd Pachota briefs the media at the Incident Command Post Omak after a night of fire activity in Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015. Level 3 Evacuation Levels were expanded at this time to include Malott, Aenes Valley, Conconully, Omak Flats/Green Acres (North), Twisp River Road, and the Tunk Area. Level 3 status is issued to areas most urgently threatened by wildfire activity.

Evacuees monitor fire expansion at Red Cross Shelter Brewster High School, Brewster, WA, Saturday August 22, 2015. The Red Cross partnered with a number of schools and community centers in Okanogan County to provide food and shelter for an ever-fluctuating number of evacuees.

Okanogan County evacuee Laura Griffin shows the makeshift bed created for her Father, Martin Silverhawk, 91 (not pictured), in aisle 52 of Home Depot, Omak. Home Depot Omak became a relief point for many displaced residents who were seeking food and shelter due to the Okanogan Complex fire.

Journalists and Firefighters observe smoke plumes rising from the Okanogan Complex Fire on Salmon Creek Road, South Central Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015. Salmon Creek road contains a number of residential structures that fire crews sought to protect.

Fire Fighters secure a residential property partially burned by the Okanogan Complex fire on Salmon Creek Road, Sunday August 23, 2015. Due to the size and speed of the Okanogan Complex Fire, Firefighters often arrive after most fire damage is done, leaving property owners to defend their own homes until help arrives.

Fire fighters observe weather conditions at Omak Airport, Sunday August 23, 2015. An inverted weather pattern promoted smoky conditions in Okanogan County that slowed fire growth but also grounded fire-fighting aircraft.

Spot Fires burn in the hills above residential structures on Salmon Creek Road, Okanogan County, Sunday August 23, 2015.

A residence stands next to the fire line in Omak, Monday August 24, 2015.

The Moon observed through smoky conditions in Okanogan County August 23, 2015. Air quality levels for towns in Okanogan County were often rated as “hazardous” at this time by the Washington Department of Ecology.

A US National Guard Humvee leaves the Incident Command Post Omak with a Fire vehicle following behind Monday August 24, 2015. Members of the US National Guard from Joint Base Lewis McChord were called in to support fire-fighting efforts in Okanogan County after The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise asked the Department of Defense to provide 200 military personnel to support fire fighting efforts in Eastern Washington.

Allan Williams observes scorched hills in front of his home in central Okanogan County, Monday August 24, 2015. Two nights before, Allan assisted firefighters as they cut a fire line with a tractor and other equipment so fire would not spread to his property.

The Sun observed through thick smoke in Chelan county Monday, August 24, 2015. By this time the weather inversion had began to lift, bringing clearer skies and increased winds.

"Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, lifts off from Lake Chelan Airport, Tuesday August 25, 2015. Commercial fire fighting has been crucial in containing fires throughout Washington State.

"Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, approaches Lake Chelan near Manson, WA, to refill its water tank, Tuesday August 25, 2015. "Hulk" has been modified to hold 2,650-gallons of fresh or salt water that is refilled in as little as 30 seconds via a hydrofoil attachment.

An Apache Helicopter returns to Lake Chelan to refill its water bucket, Tuesday August 25, 2015. A variety of private, commercial, and state aircraft are used to fight Washington's wildfires.

"Incredible Hulk", an Aircrane Helicopter operated by Erickson Aviation, approaches Lake Chelan near Manson, WA, to refill its water tank, Tuesday August 25, 2015. "Hulk" has been modified to hold 2,650-gallons of fresh or salt water that is refilled in as little as 30 seconds via a hydrofoil attachment.

show thumbnails