A rapidly moving wildfire broke out along Interstate 90 near Vantage, Washington on Wednesday, July 8, forcing emergency evacuations, destroying two homes, and temporarily closing a stretch of the major east-west interstate. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is now estimated at 575 acres, and investigators say it was caused by a vehicle traveling the Vantage highway.
Fast-Moving Threat Along I-90
The Ryegrass Coulee Fire ignited at approximately 4:51 p.m. on July 8 and grew rapidly through grass, brush, and timber terrain in Kittitas County, quickly threatening the community of Vantage and nearby structures. The fire prompted the Washington State Department of Transportation to close portions of I-90 eastbound at mile marker 115 and westbound at mile marker 138, east of the Vantage Bridge — a significant disruption to commercial and passenger traffic on one of the Northwest's most critical freight corridors.
State Fire Mobilization Authorized
Given the rapid growth and threat to homes and power infrastructure, the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office authorized a State Fire Mobilization for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire. Mobilization allows local fire agencies to request resources from across the state, with costs covered through the state mobilization program. Air resources were also authorized to support suppression operations.
Evacuations Ordered, Then Scaled Back
Parts of Vantage north of Interstate 90 were placed under Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders as the fire spread toward the community. Two homes were destroyed in the blaze before firefighters could establish defensible perimeters. As of Thursday morning, the City of Vantage — approximately 138 miles east of Seattle — was cleared of evacuation orders after crews made progress containing the fire's spread.
Cause: Vehicle Sparks
Kittitas County Fire Inspector Chris Whitsett confirmed that a vehicle traveling on the Vantage highway was responsible for igniting the fire. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether any citations or charges are warranted. Vehicle fires remain a leading human cause of wildland fires during summer months — sparks from dragging chains, overheated brakes, trailer hitch chains dragging on pavement, or wheel bearing failures can all ignite dry roadside vegetation.
Ongoing Monitoring
The fire remains at 575 acres and crews are working to achieve full containment. Kittitas County Emergency Management urges residents in the Vantage area to remain vigilant and monitor emergency alert channels as hot and dry conditions persist in the Columbia Basin through mid-July.