Single Publication

Big Horn Fire

10:00 PM, July 24, 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

The Big Horn fire is burning near the town of Bickleton in Klickitat County, Washington. The fire started at approximately 1:07 PM on Monday July 22nd,2024, and was driven by windy and dry conditions.

Today’s fire activity has been active due to gusty winds and low daytime relative humidity levels. An impending cold front has brought winds with gusts up to 30 mph. 

Around 3:00 PM, the fire expanded on the southwest corner in the Pine Creek drainage when the winds shifted to a westerly direction pushing fire towards the east continuing to burn towards the Alderdale area.  A significant number of aircraft from state and federal partners were utilized to slow the forward progression of the fire.  The current weather conditions are forecasted to continue into late Thursday afternoon.  

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

Level 3 “GO NOW” Go now! Danger in your area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. Follow directions from law enforcement or fire departments and do not return home until officials have determined it is safe. Notification it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible.

Level 2 “GET SET” Be prepared for sudden or short-notice evacuation. People who need help or more time to evacuate -- such as people with disabilities, people with small children, people with medical conditions, and people with large animals -- should evacuate now. Ensure your evacuation plan checklist is complete and your Go! kit is in your vehicle. Stay informed and be aware of alerts from local law enforcement and fire departments. Always remember to leave if you feel unsafe, do not wait for an official evacuation order.

Level 1 “GET READY” Be aware of the danger in your area and start preparing for possible evacuation. Monitor local media and check on neighbors. If you do not already have an evacuation plan or a Go! kit, assemble these now. Conditions can change suddenly, and you may not receive a Level 2 "Be Set” warning before you are ordered to Level 3 “Go!” Prepare both the inside and outside of your home for fire. Leave if you feel unsafe -- do not wait for an official evacuation order.

Road Closures: East Road is closed from the Town of Bickleton south to Middle Road.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Dry conditions continue today with increase wind gusts. Calm winds will increase into gusty conditions by this afternoon.

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. For more information on smoke and air quality, please visit: Washington Smoke Information (wasmoke.blogspot.com)

Shelter: Red Cross has opened an Emergency Shelter at Patterson Elementary School in Benton County.

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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