FIRE REPORT: Retreat Fire remains steady as containment improves

NACHES —The Retreat Fire is the largest fire in Washington as of Tuesday. The fire has scorched 45,600 acres of land but is 70% contained as of Tuesday — a 10% improvement from the prior day. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

According to the 2024 Retreat Fire Morning Update for Aug. 13, firefighters successfully conducted tactical firing operations along the western flank south of Bethel Ridge and also detected limited hot spots and smoke mostly in interior areas during aerial reconnaissance Monday.

The fire began at about 4 p.m. July 23, about 14 miles southwest of Naches and has 343 personnel assigned to fight it. 

On Tuesday, firefighters assessed damaged trees and continue mop-up operations. There will be patrols in Camp Ghormley, Lost Lake Road and Highway 12 corridor. The work continues alternative control lines along Forest Roads 1200 and 1201 to protect Rimrock Lake structures. Finally, there will be removal of unneeded equipment and beginning of fire suppression repair (road grading, hazard tree felling, and dozer line repair). 

The weather-consistent northwest winds bringing cool, humid air. There will be strong winds in the morning and overnight with gusts to 24 mph. 

Second and third-largest fires: 

The Pioneer Fire. Washington's second-largest active wildfire. 38,400 acres. 13% containment. The fire started around 1 p.m. July 8. Located 10 miles southwest of Stehekin. 649 personnel. 

The Cougar Creek Fire. Washington’s third-largest fire. 24,100 acres. The fire began around 8 p.m. July 15. Located approximately one mile west of the intersection of Highway 129 and the Grand Ronde River. 373 personnel. 

One new fire was reported Tuesday. 

Kachess Complex Fire. North end of Kachess Lake. Other information not available as of press time. 

Two fires were newly contained in Washington. 

The Stepstone Fire. 30 acres. 100% contained. Started at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Located in Okanogan County. 

The Bell Canyon Fire. 10 acres. 100% contained. Started at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Located in Okanogan County near Bell Canyon Road. 

Other Washington fires: 

Easy Fire. 2,100 acres. 0% containment. Began at 8 p.m. July 17. Located 17 miles west of Mazama along North Cascades Scenic Highway. 300 personnel. 

Flat Creek Fire. 20 acres. 0% contained. Started on Friday. Located in Chelan County, near Flat Creek. Crew size not specified. 

Miners Complex Fires. 1,100 acres. 0% containment. Began on July 17. Located 21 miles east of Darrington. Fire crew detail unavailable. 

Pincer Two Fire. 190 acres. 0% containment. Began on July 18. Located one mile east of Mineral Park. 15 personnel. 

Ruby Fire. 750 acres. 0% containment. Began 7 a.m. Friday. Located in Whatcom County. 70 personnel. 

Shoofly Fire. 104 acres. 63% contained. Ignited on July 8. Located 9 miles north of Stevens Pass. No crew information available. 

Stave Creek Fire. 20 acres. 0% contained. Started on Aug. 10. Located in Kittitas County near No Name Ridge. Fire crew information unavailable. 

Thomas Mountain Fire. 10 acres. 90% contained. Started 7:21 p.m. Friday. Located in Kittitas County. Crew information unavailable. 

Williams Mine Fire. 10,600 acres. 0% contained. Started noon Aug. 5. Located near Mt. Adams Wilderness of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 288 personnel. 

Wolf Fork Fire. 130 acres. 85% containment. Started 2 p.m. Monday. Located in Columbia County. No crew information available. 

Other fires reported throughout the state have burned less than 10 acres and are not included in this report. The majority are less than 1 acre. 

The Columbia Basin’s wildfire danger continues to be very high. The Grant County Sheriff’s office has asked area residents to be careful with anything that could cause a wildfire.

Air quality was moderate Tuesday for the Columbia Basin. 

SOURCES: InciWeb/NIFC/WildCAD/AirNow