Lyle Hill Fire Burns 233 Acres in Columbia River Gorge; Evacuation Orders Downgraded

A fast-moving wildfire in Klickitat County, Washington ignited Sunday afternoon and quickly swept through the Columbia River Gorge before firefighters gained the upper hand, prompting Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders that were subsequently downgraded by Sunday evening.

Fire Overview

The Lyle Hill Fire started at approximately 1:45 p.m. on June 29 near Lyle, Washington, in the Columbia River Gorge. Driven by windy conditions, the fire spread rapidly and threatened 75 structures, including homes, crops, power lines, and substations. The blaze initially appeared to cover as many as 450 acres before fire managers completed more precise aerial mapping, revising the estimate to 233 acres.

The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC) reported the fire and coordinated suppression resources. As of Monday afternoon, firefighting efforts were progressing in a positive direction.

Evacuation Levels

Klickitat County Emergency Management issued both Level 2 (“Get Set”) and Level 3 (“Go Now”) evacuation notifications for portions of the affected area. By 6 p.m. on June 29, many of those orders were downgraded, though some Level 3 orders remained in effect temporarily.

The Centerville Highway, which had been closed during the height of firefighting operations, reopened with pilot car escorts between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Electronic message boards were posted to warn drivers of active fire traffic in the area.

A Red Cross emergency shelter was opened at Columbia High School in White Salmon but closed within 24 hours after no evacuees required its services — a testament to community resilience and the speed of the downgrade.

Cause Under Investigation

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials with Lyle Fire & Rescue District No. 4 have publicly asked for the community’s help, specifically requesting photos or video captured between 1:40 p.m. and 1:55 p.m. on June 29 that may show the fire’s origin or spread. Investigators are also seeking information about any hikers observed in the area above Riverview Drive prior to 1:40 p.m.

Residents with information or imagery can submit it through the Lyle Fire & Rescue District No. 4 Facebook Messenger page.

Community Impact

“It’s very difficult on the community,” said Lyle resident Kaitlin Johnston. “I feel like we’re a very tight-knit, resilient community. But it wears on people, and I know people that lost their homes last year in the growing fire, and they still haven’t been able to rebuild.”

Johnston offered her private stables to anyone needing to evacuate horses during the event, reflecting the close-knit nature of the rural gorge community.

What’s Next

Residents in the affected area should continue monitoring the Klickitat County Emergency Management website for updated evacuation zone information. Drivers should remain cautious on Centerville Highway, where first responders continue working in the area.