Single Publication

Newell Road Fire Update

9 PM, July 24, 2023 

Estimated size: 56,143 acres 

Containment: 20% 

Start Date: July 21, 2023 

Area of Origin: Klickitat County near Newell Road 

Cause: Under Investigation 

Structures Damaged: Currently being assessed 

 A Community Meeting is set for tomorrow, Tuesday July 25 at 6 PM. Located at the Goldendale Middle School in the cafeteria, 520 East Collins St., Goldendale, WA.  

The meeting will also be available virtually, links are available on page two of this update.    

Fire Update: The forecasted cold front moved through the area bringing lower temperatures, higher humidity, very strong winds, and a few minutes of rain.  Fire activity increased along the northwest corner beginning around 3:00 pm and moved out of the Walaluuks Canyon towards Dot Road.  Multiple aircraft dropped water and retardant to slow the flank of the fire to allow time for dozers and crews to construct line between Dot Road and Walaluuks Canyon. Point protection was successfully provided to a structure in the area.  The plan for the night shift tonight is to continue to reinforce containment lines with burnout operations, patrolling and mopping up. 

Planned activity for tomorrow: Due to today’s high winds, additional resources will be directed to the northwest corner of the fire to inspect and improve containment lines.  Additionally, fire personnel will patrol and mop up along the other areas of the fire using cold trailing techniques (physically checking for any heat along containment lines). 

Evacuations and Road Closures: There were changes and additions to evacuation levels today.  For the latest evacuations please see: http://www.facebook.com/klickitatDEM911 

Road closures include: Roosevelt Grade Road, Middle Road, Old Highway 8 north to and including Dot Road. 

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): TFR is in place over the Newell Road Fire. Please review the Notice to airmen in its entirety. 

Sheltering: The American Red Cross has opened a Shelter at the Goldendale Middle School 520 E. Collins Street, Goldendale, WA.