Update: 5:55 pm 7/15

The Cedar Creek Fire, which absorbed the Varden Fire overnight Wednesday, is now 2,900 acres and is 0% contained as it burns southwest of Mazama in Okanogan County.

Fire officials said the wind directions over the last day and a half didn't align with the drainages in the area so fire behavior was not as robust as expected. They believe there's been no property damage so far, nor have there been any significant injuries. Evacuation notices in the Mazama area remain unchanged.

A lot of Thursday's fire efforts centered around SR 20, with firefighters working to deepen the containment line. Crews have been scouting for opportunities to engage the fire in other areas. A total of 386 fire personnel are working the blaze.

The Delancy Fire, also in the area, has grown to 39 acres with 0% containment.

Original Post: 7:52 pm 7/14

The Varden, Cedar Creek and Delancy fires, burning in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest southwest of Mazama, are now over 1,900 acres with 0% containment.

Northwest Incident Management Team 8 PIO Pam Sichting said their preparedness level is now Level 5 throughout the Pacific Northwest.

"Which means that resources are starting to be scare and hard to find. For example, there are no more Incident Management Teams in the Pacific Northwest." explained Sichting, "So if we have a new start that goes into a larger-type fire, [management teams] will be coming from out of the area to assist us."

The fires are burning in steep and rocky terrain with lots of fuel. About 300 personnel are working the blaze.

Fire officials decided on an indirect attack, meaning their focus will be on keeping the blaze out of private lands and in the forest. Sichting added that it's possible the fires could burn and produce smoke all summer long.

A Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation notice is in place for all persons living south of the Methow River and west of Lost River Road. A Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation notices is in effect for those living north of the Methow River, up Lost River Road and east of Lost River Road to the intersection of Goat Creek Road and SR 20.

State Route 20 is still closed to all traffic about 20 miles west of Winthrop. There is no estimated time for reopening.

More From NewsRadio 560 KPQ