Single Publication

Retreat Fire

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

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

August 4, 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: 41,279 acres

Containment: 49%

Resources: 657 Total Personnel; 8 Dozers; 17 Hand Crews; 41 Engines

Key Messages:  

Smoke from numerous fires in the Pacific Northwest as well as the Retreat Fire is affecting air quality in the area. An Air Quality Alert has been issued for all of Yakima County, including the Yakama Reservation, in effect until further notice. Particulate matter (PM 2.5) may reach unhealthy or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups levels. 

The US Highway 12 corridor remains closed to public travel for both firefighter and public safety. Fire activity remains active along the highway and fire affected large trees continue to fall across the highway at unexpected times. The highway is expected to remain closed for numerous days.

Current Status:

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

Ground crews made slow progress with firing operations along the northern fire edge of the fire yesterday. They attempted to continue to fire along the indirect line from east to west however the weather conditions were not favorable and only a small amount of progress was made. The unburnt areas located between the active fire edge and the north side indirect line continued to burn throughout the day which increased the overall size of the fire. Crews will attempt to conduct firing operations today on the northwest side of the fire as a part of the plan to work towards containment of this fire.

On the southwest corner crews focused on mopping up and extinguishing hot spots using tools and water delivery. Fire activity in this area was reported as quiet throughout the day. The Structure Protection crews continued to patrol the Highway 12 corridor, extinguished any hot spots or fire that was threatening structures, and provided support to the firefighters working on the southwestern control line. The structures at Camp Ghormley and along the Lost Lake Road continued to be patrolled and monitored.

Firefighters and equipment continued to mop up (seek out and extinguish hot spots), hold, and increase the containment line on the south and east sides of the fire area. Crews will continue to patrol and mop up to further secure the lines. A few more days of work is expected to be needed along these lines and will continue to ensure that they remain secure.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Yesterday, cloud cover that moved in during the morning cooled temperatures and raised humidity. Wind was consistently from the west to northwest. Clouds will move out this morning. Temperatures and afternoon humidity will change little with afternoon highs between 80 and 93 degrees and humidity levels from 18 to 25 percent. Overnight wind, when it is strongest, is only expected to gust up to 25 mph.

Cloud cover and a small increase in relative humidity yesterday has the fire danger holding near the same as Friday. Most fire activity is now in higher elevations with mixed conifer fuel types. Active fire was observed into the night with gusty west-northwest winds, until fire behavior decreased with good humidity recovery. Daytime fire behavior was smoldering until the afternoon, then moderate with side moving fire and single tree torching.

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