Although fire behavior slowed recently, several months of fire season remain
information released
Firefighters are facing rugged, roadless terrain that presents significant access and suppression challenges. As more work is completed, resources are being released to be available for other missions. Firefighters and support personnel remain actively engaged in a full suppression strategy, working to contain the fire’s spread and protect critical values at risk in Holden Village, Lucerne, and the Entiat and Chiwawa River drainages. Protecting firefighter and public safety remains the top priority on the incident.
Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team 8 will in-brief this evening and spend tomorrow shadowing the members of NW Team 10 to ensure a seamless transfer of command on Tuesday. The members of NW Team 10 extend their appreciation to the local residents, business owners and visitors for their support during this incident.
The incoming team is composed of highly experienced and trained professionals who specialize in managing incidents of a small or moderate scale. The frequency of updates will decrease as the new team takes over.
Although fire behavior has recently been low, there are still several months of fire season ahead. While firefighters continue their work, the collaboration of communities play a vital role in protecting critical values in the wildland urban interface. Creating defensible space by modifying the surrounding vegetation and landscape to create a more fire-resistant environment can significantly increase the success of structure protection during wildfires. Learn more at www.firewise.org.
Current Situation:
The fire has been tested over numerous days of warm, dry and unstable weather; reconnaissance and infrared flights have confirmed that the fire has remained within its footprint. However, areas of isolated heat persist a within the interior. Fire managers have been implementing strategies that focus on protecting values at risk, if weather and wind cause the Pomas Fire to spread before a season ending event such as sustained rain or snow fall. These strategies include a shaded fuel break along the Chiwawa River Road. With plenty of fire season remaining, crews will continue to monitor fire activity and work on secondary line construction under the supervision of the incoming team.
- Evacuations: A Level 1 Fire Advisory remains in effect for Holden Village, including the Rio Tinto Mine water treatment plant; this advisory does not include Lucerne.
- Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in effect. Many alternatives for recreation are still open outside the closure area. The fire remains 12 air miles from the Pacific Crest Trail and currently poses no threat to that trail. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire has been lifted.
- Weather: Today’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies with temperatures reaching the upper 70s. Clouds will increase during the afternoon, bringing with them a slight chance of showers. A weather system is expected to move into the area Wednesday through Thursday, bringing with it a 50% chance of showers and isolated afternoon thunderstorms.
- Safety: Fire danger remains very high. To avoid making the spark that starts the next wildfire, respect current fire restrictions and avoid ignition sources. Current fire restriction information within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/alerts
Pomas Fire Stats & Resources
- Fire Information: 509-219-9543
-
Size: 3,465 acres
-
Incident Start Date: June 13, 2025
-
Location: 36 miles northwest of Entiat
-
Cause: Lightning
-
Fuels: Grass, shrubs, timber, and heavy dead and downed logs
-
Resources: 5 crews 12 engines 2 helicopters 2 dozers 15 water tenders
-
Total personnel: 555
