Retreat Fire closing in on 30,000 acres

RIMROCK, Wash. -- Updated at 5:30 p.m.: The Retreat Fire is now 29,499 acres and 4% contained.

Updated Monday, July 29th at 11:00 a.m.: The community meeting is still slated for Monday evening, at 6 p.m., for the Retreat Fire. Retreat Fire progress and updates will be discussed by agency representatives. A Q+A session will be held for addressing individual inquiries.

Naches Valley Elementary School

9281 US-12, Naches, WA 98937, United States

A virtual option for those who cannot attend in person. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions in the comments. The meeting will go live at 6:00 pm at this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/FwJuXVfvhL8?si=Gfq2h8iAlAPSE8W3

The Retreat Fire started on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024. It started in Yakima County on US-12 at Rainbow Rock Ln. The cause is currently unknown. Below is a list of up to date information as of Monday, July 29th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Acreage: 24,629

Containment: 4%

Level 3 (GO NOW!) Evacuations:

-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 (BE SET!) Evacuations:

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

Closures:

-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.

Community Meetings: A community meeting will be held on Monday evening, at 6 p.m., for the Retreat Fire. Retreat Fire progress and updates will be discussed by agency representatives. A Q+A session will be held for addressing individual inquiries.

Naches Valley Elementary School

9281 US-12, Naches, WA 98937, United States

A virtual option for those who cannot attend in person. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions in the comments. The meeting will go live at 6:00 pm at this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/FwJuXVfvhL8?si=Gfq2h8iAlAPSE8W3

Agencies In-Charge: Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson took command of the Retreat Fire at 6 am, Friday, July 26th.

Firefighting Efforts: There are 442 total personnel working this fire, including 10 dozers, 7 hand crews, and 35 engines.

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