NVH Newsletter August 2026
Image by Okanogan County Public Health Local Emergency Response Coordinator Bill Vallance
Expressing Our Gratitude:
The Sinlahekin Fire has tested our community's resilience in ways we know all too well, but it has also shown the strength, compassion, and readiness that define North Valley Hospital and the surrounding area.
First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the firefighters, incident management teams, first responders, and local volunteers who worked untiringly on the front lines to protect lives and properties. We also want to deeply thank the citizens and off-duty hospital employees who reached out, stopped by, and checked in on our facility and staff during the height of the fire activity. Your care and willingness to step up remind us what a special community we serve.
Throughout the threat posed by the Sinlahekin Fire, North Valley Hospital and Extended Care maintained communication with fire incident command and Okanogan County Emergency Management. While the city of Tonasket never reached a Level 3 evacuation notice, our operational plan in the event of higher threat levels was to shelter in place rather than attempt a facility-wide evacuation.
Deciding to shelter in place for a healthcare facility is a carefully deliberate choice. This response plan was built on lessons learned from past regional wildfire events, close collaboration with local emergency partners, and regular disaster drills conducted by our staff. Evacuating medically complex patients carries inherent risks, so maintaining a safe, continuous environment of care inside our facility remains our top priority whenever conditions allow.
As fire suppression efforts progress and containment grows, our immediate operational focus has shifted to indoor air quality and smoke mitigation. Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable individuals, elderly residents, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Our facility management teams are monitoring filtration systems closely and taking extra measures to maintain clean, safe air throughout the hospital and clinics. We encourage all community members to limit outdoor exposure during high smoke periods, keep windows closed, and utilize indoor air purifiers when possible.
While we are fortunate that Tonasket proper was spared from direct flame, we acknowledge with heavy hearts the loss of homes, structures, and land sustained by our neighbors in surrounding areas. Recovery will be a long process, and North Valley Hospital is committed to supporting our community through every phase of healing and rebuilding.
The Sinlahekin Fire does not exist in isolation. Across Eastern Washington, communities are grappling with similar struggles—from devastating fire impacts near Spokane to widespread road closures and general transportation disruptions. These regional hazards create significant hurdles for emergency transport, medical supply lines, and patient transfers.
Thank you once again to our dedicated staff, our brave first responders, and our extraordinary community. Together, we will continue to support one another through recovery.