Washington's four largest wildfires burn 150k acres over the weekend

(The Center Square) – Washington is in the midst of its 2024 wildfire season, with flames engulfing homes, incinerating habitats and destroying livelihoods across the state.

Dozens of wildfires are burning statewide, but the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center is tracking the largest ones. According to the NWCC’s Morning Brief, there are currently 12 fires burning 100 acres or more of timber or 300 acres or more of grass and brush.

As of Monday morning, Klickitat County’s Big Horn Fire reached 50,061 acres, threatening over 200 structures. The fire is currently 68% contained as around 180 personnel fight the flames across four crews and 30 engines.

“There are still areas with Level 1 'Get Ready' evacuations at this time,” according to the NWCC’s update. “Please visit Klickitat County Emergency Management’s website or check Facebook for the most current information.”

The next biggest, as of Monday, is the Swawilla Fire, which has burned around 46,324 acres in parts of Okanagan and Ferry counties. A lightning storm started the fire on July 17, and 469 personnel across nine crews and 36 engines continued to fight the flames as of Monday morning.

The Swawilla Fire is 26% contained; however, according to NWCC’s update, officials don’t expect to reach 100% until Aug. 22. Evacuations are in effect.

“In the area where the fire is most active, a dozer line has been constructed along the west side of Keller and Hwy 21,” according to the NWCC’s update, “to enhance structure protection for homes and businesses along the roadway and in and around the town of Keller.”

The Pioneer Fire, burning along Lake Chelan, reached 33,276 acres this morning, with 15% currently contained. The wildfire is burning through timber and grass, with around 600 structures at risk of loss or damage.

According to the NWCC’s update, 698 personnel across 10 crews, four helicopters and 28 engines were fighting the Pioneer Fire on Monday morning. However, officials don’t expect 100% containment until Halloween.

“Along the lakeshore, crews have been successful protecting structures as the fire spreads northward,” according to the NWCC’s update. “They continued to mop up and patrol yesterday while preparing for additional strategic firing that may be needed to protect homes and other values at risk.”

Yakima County’s Rimrock Retreat Fire was the fourth largest on Monday morning, encompassing an area of 22,421 acres. It’s also threatening the most infrastructure out of the other three.

According to the NWCC’s update, 442 personnel, seven crews and 35 engines are fighting the Rimrock Retreat Fire, which has burned three residences and two minor structures. However, it's threatening 784 other homes and 1,213 mixed commercial structures.

Similar to the Pioneer Fire, officials don’t expect to reach 100% containment until Halloween. The Rimrock Retreat Fire is currently 4% contained.

“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,” according to the NWCC’s status update. “Wildland fires are a 'no fly zone' for drones. If you fly, WE CAN’T!”