Single Publication

Big Horn Fire 

2:00 PM, July 25, 2024

Estimated size: 32,886 acres

Containment: 5%

Start Date/Time: 7/22/2024 at 1:07 PM

Area of Origin: 7 miles SE of Bickleton, WA

Cause: Undetermined

Structures Damaged: 4

Update: Overnight the fire activity was changing rapidly. This fast-moving fire was driven by gusty 30 mph winds, dry fuels and had substantial growth in size. The fire continues to move down Pine Creek drainage towards Highway 14. Last night, fire operations were assisted by Klickitat County Fire District 2, Klickitat County Fire District 10 and Klickitat County Fire District 9 (Roosevelt) as they supported suppression efforts on the south and east flanks of the fire near Alderdale Road.   

Today’s weather will once again challenge the fire on the landscape. With relatively low humidity levels and wind gusts up to 20 mph, firefighter and responder safety continues to be the highest priority. The focus for today is continuing to slow or stop any forward progression and maintain the fire perimeter along the north and west flanks.

Additional resources have been ordered to support suppression efforts and hand crews have started to arrive.  Resources are being assigned to protect lives and property. 

Evacuation Levels: Evacuation levels have changed. Please visit Klickitat County Emergency Management’s website or check Facebook:

• https://www.klickitatcounty.org/249/Emergency-Management
• https://www.facebook.com/KlickitatDEM911

Road Closures: East Road is closed from the Town of Bickleton south to Middle Road. Hwy 14 from the Town of Roosevelt to Alderdale Road. Alderdale Road from Linda Lane south to the intersection with SR 14. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: A cold front brought gusty conditions last night and into today. Warm and dry conditions continue with wind gusts around 20 mph.

Smoke: While there are no current air quality alerts for Klickitat County, communities close to active wildfires could see air quality worsen as the fire and wind conditions change. Critical fire weather continues across Central and Eastern Washington; please continue to recreate responsibly as any fire starts could spread quickly. For more information on smoke and air quality, please visit: Washington Smoke Information (wasmoke.blogspot.com)

Shelter: An American Red Cross Shelter has been opened in neighboring Benton County and is currently assisting individuals and families that are displaced by the fire.

Patterson Elementary School

51409 Prior Ave

Patterson, WA 99345

Resources: Multiple overhead, strikes teams, aircraft and dozers are currently responding to the fire. 

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