A Federal Emergency Declaration approved overnight will assist in getting power restored to more than 7,000 utility customers in Okanogan County.

President Obama signed an Emergency Declaration and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts to support local utility companies in their effort to restore power. The declaration also provides assistance for debris removal.

Meanwhile, heavy rain and abundant lightning are predicted in the burn area, making flash flooding a concern. The severe weather could slow power restoration, though crews are still hopeful that most customers will have power by the weekend.

Assessments to determine damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure are still underway.

Shelter and community services

The American Red Cross has shelters in Chelan, Winthrop and Brewster that are open to anyone affected by the fire. They also are providing meals in coordination with the Southern Baptist Kitchen.

Some people needing shelter or meals may have lost driver’s licenses or other identification in the fire. No identification is necessary for any of these services. Spanish-speaking case workers are available by calling 571-205-3464.

Updated fire status

• There are more than 2500 response personnel working on the Carlton Complex Fire. This fire has burned just over a quarter million acres and grew slightly overnight. This fire is approximately 16 percent contained. County emergency management estimates 1,000 people on the various evacuation levels. The Mills Canyon Fire demobilized and is about 90 percent contained. The Watermelon Hill Fire is at 90 percent containment and demobilized Tuesday at midnight. The Chiwaukum Fire has burned more than 12,500 acres and is 10 percent contained.

Other state activities

The Washington State Department of Transportation is working to keep roads open. The latest on road closures and openings is at http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/default.aspx. –. US 2 remains closed west of Leavenworth with a detour

The Department of Agriculture is working with the agriculture community to determine need for food and water for animals.

The Washington National Guard and the Department of Natural Resources today began training 250 soldiers in wildland firefighting. The four-day training will result in Red Card certification.

The Department of Social and Health Services has deployed a Mobile Community Services Office to Twisp to assist in the replacement of benefit documents lost in the fire. The center can process replacement requests for basic food benefits, medical ID cards and other DSHS services to low-income individuals.

The Department of Corrections has deployed 21 offender fire crews from four minimum–security prisons to help fight wildfires burning in eastern and central parts the state.