Single Publication

Retreat Fire Morning Update - August 13, 2024

Fire Information: 509-213-4890, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.Retreat@firenet.gov 
Linktree: linktr.ee/CIIMT14      

Current Situation: Yesterday, firefighters were successful with tactical firing operations along the western flank south of Bethel Ridge. This work will continue as the weather allows. Limited, and mostly interior, hot spots and smoke were detected over the entire fire area during an aerial reconnaissance flight. 

Today, firefighters will spend extra effort assessing trees that may have been damaged and could fall in their work area prior to continuing mop-up operations. Crews will patrol the areas of Camp Ghormley, Lost Lake Road, and the Highway 12 corridor, and work to complete an alternative control line (shaded fuel break) along Forest Roads 1200 and 1201 to protect structures in the Rimrock Lake area. Firefighters have begun removing unneeded equipment and fire hose from the fireline and are beginning fire suppression repair (road grading, hazard tree felling, and dozer line repair) where they are confident the fire is fully contained. 

Along State Highway 12, crews are working to remove hazard trees that pose a threat to both firefighters and the public. Removing these hazards, as well as addressing infrastructure damage (burned out guard rails posts, etc.), along this highway remains a top priority so this route can be opened and evacuation orders can be lifted as soon as possible.

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

Weather: Consistent northwest wind will continue to bring cool/humid air from the coast. Winds will be strongest in the morning and overnight with gusts to 24mph. Minimum humidity’s will be 30-40% an increase of 9-10% from previous days. Temperatures over the fire area will be in the mid 60’s.

Evacuations: For the most up-to-date information on evacuations, please visit the Yakima County Emergency Management website at yakimacounty.us/350. 

Fire Closures: 

• US Highway 12 remains closed between the Y at Highway 410 and the summit of the pass at milepost 151.
• Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Retreat Fire Closure (tinyurl.com/5ext5aec).
• The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region has temporarily closed part of the Ahtanum State Forest. The public can access the most up-to-date closure information at 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 until August 23, 2024. More information can be found at tinyurl.com/bdet7845.

Air Quality and Smoke:  Air quality and smoke condition outlooks can be found at airnow.gov.

Retreat Fire Smoke Outlook 8.13.2024

Tue, 08/13/2024 - 13:13

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Retreat Fire Smoke Outlook 8.13.2024