Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson

Location:  14 miles southwest of Naches, WA

Start Date: July 23, 2024

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 18,273 acres

Resources: 302 Total Personnel; 8 Dozers; 6 Hand Crews; 10 Engines; 1 Helicopter.

Key Message:  Firing operations are currently in progress, employing both direct and indirect tactics to stop fire advancement to protect communities and identified critical values in the eastern area of the fire and the Highway 12 corridor. 

Current Status:

The Retreat Fire, located southwest of Naches, WA, spans approximately 18,273 acres. Given the expected winds and smoke movement, active fire behavior may be observed. The fire is currently under a full suppression strategy, prioritizing public and firefighter safety. A combination of direct and indirect tactics are being employed along Hatton Road, Oak Creek, and Highway 12 on the eastern portion of the fire.  Heavy equipment and hand crews are also working lines along the northern and southern perimeters to minimize forward advancement of the fire.  Operational resources are continuing to do reconnaissance along the west flank scouting for potential indirect line locations to prevent additional fire spread toward Rimrock Lake. Firing operations are ongoing in the northeast along Bethal Ty Road towards Highway 12, with further assessments being done to determine the need for future firing operations along the main ridge southward.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

This weekend, typical seasonal temperatures are expected with daytime highs reaching above 80 degrees. A weather disturbance will bring strong and gusty west-northwest winds starting late Saturday afternoon and continuing through the night into Sunday. The humidity will be slightly higher over the weekend. Expect mostly sunny skies, although some areas may have smoke and haze.

In terms of fire conditions, there are three main types of vegetation in the landscape: oak bottoms, grass and sagebrush, and Ponderosa pine mixed with other conifers. The oak bottoms and grass/sagebrush are very dry and can easily catch fire. Isolated groups of trees or single trees may catch fire and potentially spread flames to other areas.

Closures and Evacuations:

Level 3 “GO NOW” Evacuation Advisory from US Hwy 12 at Bear Canyon Trailhead (NF 1301 Forest Service Road) northeast to the “Y” (Hwy 12/410).  From “Y” (Hwy 12/410) south along the borders of Town of Cowiche and Town of Tieton to Cowiche Mill Road. Cowiche Mill Road west to NF 641 Forest Service Road.NF 641 Forest Service Road North to Hwy 12.

Level 2 "GET SET" Evacuation Notice for the City of Tieton, WA area including Cowiche Mill Road east to Summitview Road, Summitview Road North to the four way stop on West Tieton Road, heading west on West Tieton Road to the end of West Tieton Rd.  The west boundary is the end of West Tieton Road going south to the 3600 block of Cowiche Mill Road.  For the evacuation boundary visit the Yakima County Office of Emergency Facebook page: www.facebook.com/YakimaCountyOEM/.

• US Hwy 12 remains closed for several reasons between the Y at Hwy 410 and the summit of the Pass at milepost 151.
• Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Retreat Fire Area 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.

Federal, state, and local wildland fire management agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urge members of the public not to fly “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)” or drones over the Retreat Fire area. Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Wildland fires are a “no fly zone” for drones. If you fly, WE CAN’T!