Eastern Washington is in the grip of an active early fire season, with several large fires burning across the region in recent days. A combination of early-season drought, below-normal precipitation, and critically dry vegetation has created hazardous fire conditions — particularly east of the Cascade Range — that firefighting agencies say is unusually intense for late June.
4170 Tule Road Fire: Largest Active Blaze in the State
The 4170 Tule Road Fire, located south of Yakima and Toppenish in Yakima County, remains the largest active fire in Washington at approximately 24,180 acres. As of this weekend the fire is 95% contained after demonstrating extreme fire behavior earlier in the week, including uphill and wind-driven runs. The fire burned primarily through grass and brush fuels and has required a significant multi-agency response.
Kartar Fire Burns on Colville Reservation
The Kartar Fire, southeast of Omak on the Colville Indian Reservation, has burned 11,746 acres and stands at 95% containment. Fueled by a mix of grass, brush, and timber, the fire prompted evacuation orders and watch notices earlier in the week before crews were able to establish strong containment lines around the perimeter.
Garred Road Fire Near Coulee City Contained at 3,500 Acres
The Garred Road Fire northwest of Coulee City in Grant County reached approximately 3,500 acres before the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team established solid fire lines. The blaze threatened homes, wheat fields, and the Sun Lakes State Park Campground and triggered Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations. Evacuation levels have since been downgraded to Level 1 (Be Ready). State fire mobilization was authorized at the height of the incident.
Upriver Fire Destroys 14 Structures Near Spokane
The Upriver Fire, a fast-moving, human-caused fire that ignited June 16 near Camp Sekani east of Spokane, burned 213 acres before being brought to 100% containment. The fire was driven by high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds, destroying 14 primary structures in its path. Crews remain on patrol in the area for hotspot activity.
Juniper Dunes Fire Fully Contained
The Juniper Dunes Fire near Pasco in Franklin County has been brought to 100% containment after burning 13,003 acres. The fire burned through the Juniper Dunes Wilderness area and surrounding lands.
Fire Conditions Remain Elevated
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) elevated the fire danger rating to HIGH and implemented a burn ban on all DNR-protected lands effective June 26. Larger fuels — including 100-hour fuels that take several days to dry — are reaching unusually low moisture levels for this point in the season, meaning more vegetation is available to burn than in a typical late-June period.
Residents are urged to sign up for emergency alerts through their county emergency management office and to have a go-bag and evacuation plan ready.