A fast-moving wildfire that ignited near Selah in Yakima County on the afternoon of Sunday, June 28, 2026, destroyed multiple structures and prompted an emergency State Fire Mobilization response before crews brought the blaze under control. The Humann Fire burned through dry sagebrush and grass, driven by sustained westerly winds exceeding 30 mph that pushed heavy smoke into the community of Selah.

Rapid Fire Spread and Structural Losses

The Humann Fire was reported at approximately 4:47 p.m. on June 28 and grew rapidly in the rugged, dry terrain above Selah. By the time crews arrived in force, the fire had spread to an estimated 150 acres, threatening residences and private property. Ultimately, the fire destroyed:

  • One residential home
  • Two detached garages
  • One small outbuilding
  • Multiple vehicles, including recreational vehicles (RVs)

Selah Fire Chief Jim Lange confirmed that no injuries were reported despite the rapid spread. Evacuation orders were issued for threatened neighborhoods and were subsequently lifted once the fire was controlled.

State Fire Mobilization Activated

At the request of Assistant Fire Chief Jacob Stuker of Yakima County Fire District 2, the Washington State Patrol authorized State Fire Mobilization under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan. This designation allows for the rapid deployment of fire resources from across the state to assist overwhelmed local departments — a mechanism typically reserved for fires that exceed local suppression capability.

The mobilization brought additional engines, water tenders, and personnel to the incident within hours. Fire investigators believe the Humann Fire was human-caused, though the exact ignition source remains under investigation by Yakima County authorities.

A Pattern of Early-Season Fires in Eastern Washington

The Humann Fire is one of several significant fires that have burned in Yakima County and Eastern Washington this season. The region's dry continental climate, combined with invasive annual grasses that cure early and carry fire readily, creates conditions for rapid-spread fires throughout the summer months. The combination of early heat waves, persistent drought, and below-average snowpack this winter has left Eastern Washington with fuel moisture levels more typical of late July or August.

County officials are urging residents to maintain defensible space around homes and to follow current fire restrictions prohibiting open burning across most of Eastern Washington. For updated fire information, visit the Yakima County Emergency Management page.