The French Valley fire, burning six miles east of Omak along Highway 155 on the Colville Indian Reservation, has burned 1,375 acres, according to a report from Washington Incident Management Team II.
     Cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries have been reported. The fire is listed as 50 percent contained.
     Omak fire chief Kevin Bowling first spotted the fire July 10 while driving back from another fire on Highway 155. He said firefighters quickly started fighting the fire, but extremely high winds pushed the fire across the highway and quickly destroyed a barn.
     The fire is burning in scattered timber and sagebrush in steep, rocky terrain that limits access to crews, who have to hike into the area, according to the management team’s announcement.
     Warm weather conditions increased fire activity, causing the fire to spot outside the perimeter along the western edge July 13. Crews were successful in containing and mopping up the hot spots.
     Fire operations will continue as planned with crews working to build containment lines along the east and southeast portions of the fire.
     Five 20-person hand crews are working on the fire along with 13 engines, two bulldozers, six water tenders and 52 overhead personnel.