Officials report containment gains on Yellow Lake Fire; commission approves evacuation order record

County leaders opened Monday’s meeting with what they called an encouraging update on the Yellow Lake Fire.

Presenters reported the fire at about 33,041 acres and roughly 34–37% contained, noting the percentage depends on the incident command unit. Staff described remaining hotspots in the North Fork, Heart Lake and Soapstone areas, and said much frontline equipment has been pulled back while type‑3 and local teams continue to monitor and mop up. County and state speakers also emphasized the large aerial effort — hundreds of thousands of gallons of retardant and millions of gallons of water — and credited interagency coordination for preventing any loss of life or private structures so far.

The chair also told commissioners she had signed an emergency evacuation order during the response to make a clear public record of the orders issued during the incident. Commissioners discussed the sheriff’s authority to order evacuations and whether to rescind the order; they agreed it should remain in place while uncertainty about weather and hotspots persists.

Commissioner Miles moved that the commission approve the emergency evacuation order and authorize the chair to sign on behalf of the county; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Commissioners and staff repeatedly thanked first responders and event-center volunteers who provided shelter and logistical support during the incident. County staff noted the county will remain in close contact with incident command and will continue to track containment and any restoration needs.