Single Publication

Retreat Fire Morning Update - August 19, 2024

Total Acres: 45,601 acres                 Containment: 85%                            Total Personnel: 228

***This is the final Incident Update for the Retreat Fire***

California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 will transition command of the incident back to the local units at the end of shift today, August 19, 2024. If there are any significant changes regarding the Retreat Fire, the local units will share pertinent information on their websites and social media platforms. 

 Current Situation:  Due to the diligent work of firefighters, the Retreat Fire has increased in containment and reached a status in which the local agencies can resume command of the incident with a minimal number of resources. The threat to the surrounding communities, utilities, and values at risk has been minimized to the point that all evacuation orders have been lifted and US 12 has been reopened. 

Due to the fire effects of the Retreat Fire, several fire closures (see below) remain in effect until further notice. The local agencies will continue to have a small number of firefighters assigned to the incident to continue patrolling the area for any remaining hot spots and threats to public safety. These crews will ensure that containment lines continue to hold and that the remaining portion of the fireline is secured.

The public is reminded to be aware of firefighters and crews along the roadways when using US 12. Travelers should plan for added travel time due to single-lane, alternating one-way traffic as Washington State Department of Transportation and emergency contractor crews work to replace guardrail and highway signs along US 12 between mileposts 185, near the junction with State Route 410 and milepost 168, near the Tieton Road intersection. 

Weather:  Low pressure continues off the Pacific Northwest coast. This will maintain some clouds, along with some occasional light showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Expected cooler afternoon temperatures and high afternoon humidity. Southwest winds are expected to remain light this morning (1 to 5 mph) then changing to northwest (3-9 mph) with gusts up to 16 mph in the afternoon. Highest probability of thunderstorms occurring is forecasted to be Tuesday and Thursday. 

Evacuations:  All evacuation orders for the Retreat Fire have been lifted as of August 16, 2024.

Fire Closures: 

• 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.

Smoke Outlook 8.19.2024

Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:11

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Smoke Outlook 8.19.2024