Wildfires in north-central Washington grow

WENATCHEE, Wash. – Wind and high temperatures have spurred two wildfires to grow dramatically in size in north-central Washington.

Together, the Tripod and Tinpan fires have burned an estimated 10 square miles, or more than 6,000 acres.

The Tripod fire, about six miles northeast of Winthrop, exploded from 500 to 3,500 acres thanks to heavy fuel, steep terrain and hot, dry weather. No buildings were threatened by the blaze Wednesday, but fire officials said there was potential for the fire to grow even larger.

About 200 firefighters were assigned to the fire, which was not contained. They were working Wednesday to build a fire line on the west flank of the fire, as well as to the northeast.

Extreme fire conditions were preventing firefighters from fighting the fire directly.

About 40 miles northwest of Entiat, the Tinpan fire doubled in size to nearly 2,800 acres. The fire was burning in the headwaters of the Entiat River within the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

Crews were allowing the fire to burn in some areas to better manage the forest. Helicopters were dropping water in some areas, and monitors were observing fire activity.

Lightning sparked both blazes. No injuries were reported on either fire.

Several trails and roads in the fire areas have been closed, so visitors have been asked to check with local ranger districts before planning a trip into the Okanogan and Wenatchee national forests.