Big Horn Fire near Bickleton at 21% containment, fire burning along Highway 14

KLICKITAT CO., Wash. - The Big Horn Fire in Klickitat County has now grown to over 49,000 acres in size. It is located about seven miles east of Bickleton and is a little more than 21 percent contained.

The fire was first reported on July 22 just after 1 p.m. At this time, officials confirmed the fire has damaged at least four structures, but they did not indicate if these were homes specifically.

The fire is now burning along Highway 14. Firefighters were able to secure fire lines along the northwest corner and the west side of Middle Road. At this time, Highway 14 is closed from Roosevelt to Alderdale Road due to heavy smoke and unpredictable fire behaviors. East Road is closed from the City of Bickleton south to Hale Road.

Fire crews are working on the ground in an effort to fight the fire and get it contained. Authorities said the BNSF fire train did ride through the area to help put out hotspots and major trouble areas. Fire crews are also attacking the blaze from the air. Several firefighters from around the state of Washington are working to put out the Big Horn Fire.

Crews will continue working through the night.

Here are the current evacuation levels:

LEVEL 2 - GET SET

The following cities are under this evacuation order:

• Roosevelt
• West Roosevelt
• Bickleton
• Cleveland

LEVEL 1 - GET READY

• North to Klickitat County/Yakima County Line and West to Rock Creek

Here are the current road closures:

• East Road closed from the City of Bickleton south to Middle Road
• Highway 14 from the City of Roosevelt to Alderdale Road
• Alderdale Road from Linda Lane south to the intersection with SR 14

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter in Benton County for people who are being displaced by the fire. It is located at:

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