Mass Evacuations as Wildfires Erupt in Wash.

Hundreds of homes evacuated, two highways closed as wildfires spread across Central Washington

Mile Marker 28 Fire

More than 200 homes are under mandatory evacuation and two state highways have been closed as several wildfires continue to spread across Central Washington.

 Mile Marker 28 Smoke Column. Credit: WIIMT #2

The Mile Marker 28 Fire started on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at approximately 11:00 a.m. and rapidly spread to about 14 square miles. The fire is located 15 miles northeast of Goldendale, Washington along Highway 97 and is burning in grasslands, shrub brush, timber, and timber litter. The cause of the fire is unknown, authorities said.

• Date Started:  Wednesday July 24th, 2013 approx. 11:00 AM
• Location: 15 miles NE of Goldendale, Washington along State Highway 97
• Size: 8,956 acres (14 square miles)
• Growth Potential: High
• Humidity: 18 percent

Evacuation information Released by

EVACUATION LEVEL UPDATE: Due to spotting and the southward movement of the fire, the following areas are being upgraded to LEVEL 3 (Immediate Evacuation): All residences east of US-97 in Township 5N, Range 17E, Sections 25-30. These areas include Piney Woods Rd, Thompson Trail, Toad Road, Indian Basin, Indian Hill Trail, England Dr, Shajewabe Rd, Pinto Pony Rd, Camplin Rd, Black Label Ln, and Buckskin Rd. All residences located in Township 5N, Range 18E, Sections 29 & 30. These areas include Ekone Rd, Harbison Rd, Old Mountain Rd (north of Old Cabin Rd) the north side of Ownby Rd. All residences west of US-97 within Township 5N, Range 17E, Sections 4, 8, 17-20, & 30. These areas include Dry Creek Rd, Jenkins Creek Rd, Christie Rd, Home Place Ln, Lane Dr. All level three evacuation notices previously issued remain in place.

UPGRADED LEVEL 2 NOTIFICATIONS: The following locations are being upgraded to LEVEL 2 EVACUATION (Potential Evacuation) areas: All residences north of Bickleton Hwy in the areas of Township 4N, Range 17E, Sections 1-12, 17-18. These areas include Piluk Ln, Cahill Rd, Log Cabin Rd, Chisholm Rd, Oak Springs Rd, Brengo Ln, Badger Gulch, New Hope Farms Rd, Palmer Ln, Pumphouse Rd, Bluff Rd, and Rocky Ridge Rd. All residences north of Bickleton Hwy in Township 4N, Range 18E, Sections 5-8. These areas include Homestead Rd, Hayfield Rd, Holter Rd, Big Springs Rd, and Wheatland Rd.Citizens within these areas are encouraged to make proper preparations for evacuation. This includes, but is not limited to moving animals to alternate locations, packing valuables and heirlooms and moving them to a safe location, and making alternate housing arrangements should this zone be upgraded to a Level 3. Unless otherwise notified by the Klickitat County Sheriffs office, all notifications previously issued remain in place.

CLOSURES: Due to the fire situation, Highway 97 from Toppenish to Goldendale remains closed. Maintenance crews with WSDOT are currently removing large danger trees that have burned from the fire, and crews are also repairing portions of burned guardrail. Fire officials and WSDOT continue to evaluate the situation. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes on State Route 14, State Route 221, and Interstate 82.

25 Mile Fire

A fire in Chelan County has destroyed at least two buildings and forced the evacuation of about 60 homes and cabins along the Columbia River near Quincy, officials said. The fire has engulfed about 2,100 acres.

A third smaller fire has consumed about 100 acres, forcing the closure of Highway 28 west of Soap Lake, said a report.

Red Flag Warnings were in effect earlier in much of Eastern Washington including Goldendale, Tri-Cities, Yakima, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Moses Lake.

Related Links

• Hundreds of Homes Evacuated as MT Wildfire Grows  July 27, 2013