SINLAHEKIN

Perimeter growth halts as crews shift to mop-up and suppression repair

The Sinlahekin Fire is burning across state, federal, and private lands west of Tonasket, with residual heat isolated along the western flank near the Pasayten Wilderness. Over the last 72 hours, perimeter growth halted as firefighters secured control lines and transitioned to suppression repair and mop-up. No communities or properties are currently threatened, and crews have begun removing structure wrap around Chopaka Lake.

Evacuations and Closures

• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect (September 11).
• Colville National Forest closures remain in place for roads, trails, and recreation sites across the Tonasket Ranger District (September 10).
• Bureau of Land Management access restrictions remain in effect for a designated area near the fire, while surrounding public lands have reopened (September 9).

Conditions and Outlook

Overcast and dry conditions with light to moderate northeasterly breezes will transition to cooler weather with rising humidity and a chance of rain by late weekend as winds shift to the west-southwest. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal, smoldering in heavy downed timber. Crews plan to continue mop-up, equipment back-haul, chipping along local roads, and suppression repair.

Cause and Context

The fire was ignited by lightning on July 26 in the Sinlahekin Valley. Control lines now secure the perimeter across rugged terrain between Chopaka Mountain and Nine Mile Creek.

Official updates current through September 11, 2026.