Steady progress continues on Garred Road Fire, near Coulee City

COULEE CITY — Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Garrett Road Fire burning between Highways 2 and 17 in Grant and Douglas counties, with containment holding at 27% and no growth in acreage as of Wednesday. 

The fire, which started around 4 p.m. on June 21, has burned an estimated 3,400 acres. No primary structures have been lost, though a few outbuildings have been damaged. No injuries have been reported, according to the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team statement.  

Crews spent Tuesday and overnight hours reinforcing containment lines and mopping hot spots within the fire perimeter. Despite concerns about increasing winds, fire officials say conditions have remained stable. 

“They have done a really good job continuing to mop up and clean up and work on the edges,” said Norma Brock, public information officer with the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team. “It’s looking really good. We haven’t had any flare-ups or even smoke, smoke is very minimal at this point.” 

Firefighters are preparing for changing weather conditions expected to bring gusty winds up to 20 mph and temperatures in the low 90s, which could test the fire’s perimeter over the next couple of days. 

While fire behavior has remained moderate, officials emphasized that public safety remains a key concern, particularly with traffic moving through the fire area. 

“Some of our biggest challenges are the roads,” Brock said. “The roads are open now and we are just making sure that our crews are safe working in and around the roadways.” 

She urged drivers to obey posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour and remain alert for firefighting activity. 

“Ultimately, we are just trying to keep everybody safe,” Brock said. 

Utility crews have completed repairs in the affected areas, and power has been fully restored. 

A Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation notice remains in place for Dry Falls-Sun Lakes State Park. Monument Coulee Road within the park is still closed, though Highways 2 and 17 remain open. 

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the fire was human caused with a total estimated cost of $4.9 million.  

Fire officials also reminded the public that a temporary flight restriction is in effect within a seven-mile radius of the fire. Unauthorized drones or aircraft in the area could ground aerial firefighting resources. 

About 270 personnel are assigned to the fire, supported by five crews, 23 engines and one bulldozer. Crews are expected to continue strengthening containment lines and monitoring conditions as weather changes. 

    The Garred Road Fire saw no further growth or containment Wednesday, remaining at nearly 3,400 acres and 27% containment, according to the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team.