NESPELEM - The Johnson Lake Complex fire is burning more than 1,000 acres as of yesterday, July 25, near Nespelem, but is nearly knocked out.
     Crews had about 75 percent of the fire line constructed yesterday, but winds pushed the fire out of the containment area, an announcement from the Washington Incident Management Team 2 said.
     The complex fire consists of three fires at Johnson Lake, Fish Hatchery and Owhi Tree about six miles northeast of Nespelem. No injuries have been reported and there has been no loss of structures.
     The fire was caused by lightning July 23, the announcement said. The fire is burning in scattered timber, grass and brush with areas of slash.
     Firefighters are focusing efforts on the northwest corner of the fire perimeter, reinforcing existing fireline, and beginning mop-up operations in some areas.
     Fireline construction has been completed on the Fish Hatchery fire. Firefighters are mopping up operations and working to secure the containment lines. Owhi Tree was quickly knocked down and firefighters will work on mop-up operations, the announcement said.
     A total of four crews with 183 personnel have been working on the fire over the weekend.
-Prepared by Omak Chronicle staff