Yakima Herald-Republic (TNS)

The Retreat Fire east of Rimrock Lake was 70% contained Wednesday. Some firefighters responded to a new fire that broke out Monday on State Route 410.

The Retreat Fire began on July 23 and is raging along the US 12 corridor.

Washington State Department of Transportation officials are working to replace guardrails and signs damaged by the fire, according to an update from fire department operations.

“The highway remains a top priority so that it can be opened as quickly as possible and evacuation orders can be lifted,” the update said.

US 12 is closed from the summit of White Pass to the intersection with SR 410.

As of Wednesday, the fire was 45,601 acres in size and 372 firefighters were on duty.

Firefighters are completing an alternate control line along Forest Roads 1200 and 1201 to protect structures in the Rimrock Lake area.

Evacuation levels along US 12 remain unchanged and recreational facilities remain closed. The cause is under investigation.

Lodgepole Fire

Some firefighting equipment, vehicles and crews from the Retreat Fire are being moved to the Lodgepole Fire near the Lodgepole Campground, a half-mile north of State Route 410, the update said Wednesday. The lightning-caused fire was reported Monday afternoon and is 16 miles west of Cliffdell.

SR 410 remains open.

As of Thursday, 35 acres were burning in the scar of the Norse Peak Fire, which covered 55,920 acres in 2017. The Norse Peak Fire is filled with dead trees and debris, according to an update from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

“The terrain is also very rugged and steep, making access challenging for firefighters,” the update said. “The Lodgepole Fire is currently threatening several private cabins in nearby Forest Service recreation areas as well as the Lodgepole Campground.”

The emergency services have started building firebreaks and are taking precautions to protect the buildings.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 is commanding the fires at Retreat and Lodgepole.

Fire in the Williams Mine

The Williams Mine Fire near Trout Lake covered 11,149 acres on Wednesday. The fire was sparked by a lightning strike on August 5 and is not under control. A total of 471 firefighters are on site.

Humidity has been higher and temperatures have been lower this week as fires have been burning in the region. Winds are expected to ease on Wednesday, with a chance of thunderstorms Thursday through the weekend.

A community meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Trout Lake Volunteer Fire Department, 2415 WA-141, Trout Lake. The meeting will be recorded and posted on the Williams Mine Fire Facebook page for those unable to attend.

Evacuation orders have been issued for Trout Lake. Northwest Team 13 is in command.

Trout Lake Nature Area Preserve, Mount Adams Wilderness, and Tract D Recreation Area are temporarily closed. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Forest Road 23 to Potato Hill.

___

(c)2024 Yakima Herald-Republic (Yakima, Washington)

Visit the Yakima Herald-Republic (Yakima, Washington) at www.yakima-herald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.