Single Publication

Retreat Fire 

Fire Information: 509-213-4890    Email: 2024.retreat@firenet.gov

inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-retreat

August 2, 2024

Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson

Location:  14 miles southwest of Naches, WA

Start Date: July 23, 2024

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 34,759 acres

Containment: 37%

Resources: 614 Total Personnel; 10 Dozers; 14 Hand Crews; 38 Engines

Key Messages:  

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning in effect for today over the fire area. Dangerously hot conditions are expected with temperatures of 102 to 108 degrees possible. Fire activity has increased in some interior areas of the fire due to the hot and dry conditions. The increase in interior burning as well as the use of some firing operations to secure indirect control lines on the north side of the fire has increased the amount of smoke visible from communities adjacent to the fire.

The Highway 12 corridor remains closed to public travel for both firefighter and public safety. Fire affected large trees have been falling across the highway at unexpected times and firefighting crews and equipment continue to work in several locations. The highway is expected to remain closed for several more days.

Current Status:

The Retreat Fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy prioritizing public and firefighter safety.

Yesterday, crews patrolled and extinguished hot spots along the fire line on the south, east and northeast sides of the fire area. Firefighters patrolling the line were able to suppress and secure a spot fire found near the east side. Southwest winds were beneficial to crews extinguishing hot spots along the south side of the fire but caused some challenges for the firefighters working along the north side. Firing operations along the north line were slowed down by the southeast winds blowing smoke back towards the line and crews. Some progress was made working towards the west however, it could take longer to secure this line if the wind direction and weather conditions remain the same. On the southwest corner of the fire crews continued to work on a combination of indirect and direct line and prepared for future firing operations when the conditions allow. The spot fires previously found near the southwest corner continued to be monitored and secured.

Structure protection crews and engines continued to patrol and extinguish hotspots as well as clear fallen trees and rocks along the fire impacted Highway 12 corridor. Structure crews also tested and reinforced pumps and sprinkler set ups around the structures at Camp Ghormley and along the Lost Lake Road west of the fire. These crews have also been providing additional support to firefighters working on the southwestern corner of the fire with the increase in fire behavior.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Hot temperatures and dry conditions were observed over the fire area yesterday with locally breezy terrain driven winds. Similar conditions are expected today as high pressure continues to build across the region. Temperatures will be in the 90s and relative humidity levels around the low 20s. Increased west to northwest winds are expected late this afternoon into Saturday.

Fire behavior is increasing as a result of very hot and dry conditions. Lower elevations with sagebrush/grass fuels had surface fire spread with single tree and group torching. Most fire activity is now in higher elevations with mixed conifer fuel types where fire activity increased from yesterday with ground moving fire, group torching, and short-range spotting. Active fire has been observed into the night and in early morning.

Closures and Evacuations:

For the most up-to-date information on evacuations, please visit Yakima County Emergency Management located at this link: Yakima Emergency Management website.

-US Hwy 12 remains closed between the Y at Hwy 410 and the summit of the Pass at milepost 151.

-Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Retreat Fire Closure: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=89192.

-The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region has temporarily closed the Ahtanum State Forest due to increased activity from the adjacent Retreat Fire burning near Rimrock Lake. The public can access the most up-to-date closure information at www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.

-Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the majority of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area to public access due to the Retreat Fire. The Oak Creek Wildlife Area is scheduled to remain closed until Aug. 23 to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts. More information can be found at Wildlife Areas | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE

Air quality and smoke conditions and forecasts can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/

Resident Resources Before, During, and After the Fire:

There are many online resources available for Washington residents who are affected by wildfire.

Support for residents being affected by wildfires: https://afterthefirewa.dreamhosters.com/ 

Washington DNR Homeowner programs:  https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/cost-share