Firefighters Gaining Ground On State’s Big Wildfires

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Lower temperatures and higher humidity were giving firefighters the upper hand on Tuesday against some giant wildfires burning in north-central Washington.

A wildfire north of Nespelem that burned 320 square miles was 25 percent contained. Fire officials say a 252-square mile fire burning just west of there was 30 percent contained.

Fire officials say highs that were in the 90s recently were in the 60s now, and humidity had more than doubled into the 40s.

Meanwhile, the Okanogan Complex of wildfires covered 225 square miles and was 40 percent contained. This had been the largest wildfire in state history until more than half was split off by fire managers into a separately-managed blaze.

The Okanogan Complex has cost $13.7 million to fight, and 1,244 firefighters remain on the lines.