Oden Road Fire calms down

Last Friday a lighting caused wildfire started on the east side of Loup Loup Pass off of Highway 20. Our reservations manager, Verla McVey, lost her home in the fire. In addition, the fire burned into the only power lines serving the Methow Valley. About 5,100 customers, including Sun Mountain Lodge, lost power for approximately 19 hours. To date the fire has burned more than 8,500 acres. Prevailing northwest winds have kept most of the smoke on the other side of the Loup. Reports on Monday indicate that the fire activity has slowed considerably. Over 550 firefighters and support personnel have been working to bring the fire under control.