A rapidly growing wildfire along the Columbia River in Klickitat County, Washington has triggered emergency Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for residents and visitors in and around the community of Lyle, authorities confirmed Sunday afternoon, June 28, 2026.

Fire Origin and Growth

The Lyle Hill Fire was first reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. Sunday near Lyle in the Columbia River Gorge corridor. Within roughly 90 minutes of detection, Klickitat County Emergency Management had issued Level 3 evacuation orders as the fire grew rapidly, driven by strong westerly winds funneling through the Gorge and extremely dry grass and brush fuels.

By Sunday evening, the fire had grown to an estimated 1,500 acres with 0% containment. The Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve Trail has been closed. Sections of Centerville Highway were also closed Sunday evening due to fire activity.

Evacuation Zones

Klickitat County Emergency Management issued a tiered evacuation covering multiple zones:

  • Level 3 "Go Now": Areas between SR 142, Centerville Highway south to the Columbia River, and west of the Struck Road/Centerville Highway intersection. Orders were later expanded north past Oliver Point Road.
  • Level 2 "Get Set": Surrounding areas placed on standby for possible expansion.

Shelter and Resources for Evacuees

An American Red Cross emergency shelter has been opened for displaced residents and visitors:

  • Columbia High School — 1455 NW Bruin Country Road, White Salmon, WA 98672

Two community resource centers have also been established for information and immediate needs assistance:

  • Bible Baptist Church, 1015 S Columbus Ave, Goldendale, WA
  • Lyle Activity Center, 308 Klickitat Street, Lyle, WA

Residents and visitors requiring assistance or information can contact the Klickitat County Emergency Operations Center at 509-773-0573.

Firefighting Response

As of Sunday afternoon, one crew and three engines were actively engaged with the fire, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Additional resources were being ordered as the fire's scope became clearer. The Columbia River Gorge's narrow canyon topography and strong, erratic winds create particularly challenging conditions for aerial and ground suppression.

Context: Gorge Fire Risk

The Columbia River Gorge corridor is one of the more fire-prone regions in southwest Washington and northern Oregon, particularly during summer months when strong east or west winds combine with dry fuels. Communities along SR 14 and Centerville Highway are regularly placed under evacuation warnings during active fire events in this terrain.

Residents in affected areas are urged to leave immediately if under Level 3 orders and not to return until the all-clear is issued. For real-time updates and the official evacuation map, visit the Klickitat County Emergency Management Facebook page or the SarTopo evacuation map at sartopo.com/m/0V0REU3.