Washington
Aug 13, 2026

Kaiser Canyon fire reaches 52% containment on Colville lands

Hazardous air is expected in five communities as crews work along Highway 155, where drivers face speed limits, delays and possible stops


August 13, 2026

After burning nearly 137,000 acres, the Kaiser Canyon fire on Confederated Tribes of the Colville lands was 52% contained more than three weeks after it began, according to reporting from Underscore Native News. Highway 155 reopened at noon Aug. 6 with speed limitations.

Jason Devcich, Colville Agency incident commander, said air quality could reach hazardous levels in Omak, Nespelem, Keller, Grand Coulee and Coulee Dam because of this and neighboring fires.

Kris Baumgartner, operations sections chief, said four hotshot crews are working 30 miles from Mill Creek to North Star Creek and Trail Creek. Residents in Nespelem can expect crew presence for the next few weeks.

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