Containment on the Retreat Fire burning east of Rimrock Lake was up to 70% Wednesday, with some firefighters moving to a new fire that started Monday on State Route 410.
The Retreat Fire started July 23 and has been burning along the U.S. 12 corridor.
Washington state Department of Transportation crews are working to replace guardrails and signs damaged by the fire, an update from the fire incident command team said.
The "highway remains a top priority so it can be opened and evacuation orders lifted as soon as possible," the update said.
U.S. 12 is closed from the White Pass summit to the junction with SR 410.
The fire was 45,601 acres Wednesday, with 372 personnel assigned.
Firefighters are finalizing an alternative control line along Forest Roads 1200 and 1201 to protect structures in the Rimrock Lake area.
Evacuation levels along U.S. 12 are unchanged, and recreation closures continue. The cause is under investigation.
Lodgepole Fire
Some firefighting equipment, engines and crews from the Retreat Fire are shifting to the Lodgepole Fire near the Lodgepole campground, a half mile north of State Route 410, Wednesday's update said. The lightning-caused fire was reported Monday afternoon and is 16 miles west of Cliffdell.
SR 410 remains open.
As of Thursday, it was 35 acres and burning in the scar of the Norse Peak Fire, which covered 55,920 acres in 2017. The Norse Peak Fire burn is filled with dead trees and debris, according to an update from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
"The terrain is also very rugged and steep which presents challenges to firefighters making access," the update said. "The Lodgepole Fire is currently threatening multiple privately owned cabins in nearby Forest Service recreational residence cabin tracts along with the Lodgepole Campground."
Crews have started building fire lines and are taking precautions to protect structures.
California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 is in command of both the Retreat and Lodgepole fires.
Williams Mine Fire
The Williams Mine Fire near Trout Lake was 11,149 acres as of Wednesday. Lightning started the fire Aug. 5 and it is uncontained. A total of 471 personnel are assigned.
Humidity has been higher with lower temperatures on area fires this week, with winds expected to subside Wednesday. There's a possibility of thunderstorms starting Thursday through the weekend.
A community meeting is planned at 7 p.m. at the Trout Lake Volunteer Fire Department, 2415 WA-141, Trout Lake. The meeting will be recorded and posted to the Williams Mine Fire Facebook page for those who can't attend.
Evacuation notices are in place in Trout Lake. Northwest Team 13 is in command.
The Trout Lake Nature Area Preserve, the Mount Adams Wilderness and the Tract D Recreation area are temporarily closed. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Forest Road 23 to Potato Hill.
___
(c)2024 Yakima Herald-Republic (Yakima, Wash.)
Visit Yakima Herald-Republic (Yakima, Wash.) at www.yakima-herald.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
