NACHES, Wash. — Federal funds were approved Friday to fight a wildfire burning in Yakima County that has closed roads and forced Level 3 evacuations in the area.
As of Friday, the Retreat Fire is burning over 13,000 acres near Naches, according to officials managing the firefighting effort.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the use of federal funds to fight the fire. It's the fourth Fire Management Assistance Grant declared in Washington in 2024.
Earlier this week, the fire jumped the highway and Tieton River, which forced US 12 to close in both directions near Rimrock Retreat, or milepost 173. There is no estimated time for reopening. Traffic is blocked between state Route 410 and the pass summit at milepost 151.
According to the Naches Fire Department, the fire started Tuesday around 3:45 p.m. It is threatening homes near Tieton, Cowiche and Naches, as well as churches, schools, recreation areas, cultural areas of the Yakama Nation and power lines, according to FEMA.
Level 3 evacuations, meaning go now, and Level 2 evacuations, meaning get ready to leave, are in place.
Level 3 evacuations are in effect from:
- U.S. Highway 12 at Bear Canyon Trailhead northeast to the "Y" at Highway 12/state Route 410
- The Y south to the the borders of the towns of Cowiche and Tieton to Cowiche Mill Road
- Cowiche Mill Road west to NF 641 Forest Service Road
- NF 641 Forest Service Road North to Highway 12
Level 2 evacuations are in effect from:
- City of Tieton, including Cowiche Mille Road to Summitview Road
- Summitview Road north to the four-way stop on West Tieton Road
- West end of West Tieton Road
- End of West Tieton Road headed south to the 3600 block of Cowiche Mill Road
Camp Ghormley, which is a children's summer camp, evacuated out of an abundance of caution. Campers were taken to Naches Valley Elementary School. Waterski campers at Rimrock Lake were not at risk and remained at the camp, according to Camp Ghormley.
Camp Director Joel Whitehead said about 125 people were part of the evacuation including campers and staff.
"Essentially, the fire started as what I understand was a propane tank explosion, so that immediately lit on fire a cabin or a home in that area," Whitehead told KING 5.
Whitehead said he has worked at the camp for 16 years, and said he was "really proud" of his staff's response.
The State Fire Marshal's Office authorized the State Fire Mobilization for the fire, which mobilizes state fire personnel and equipment.