Single Publication

Newell Road Fire Morning Update

July 25, 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 

 There will be a Community Meeting today, 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:  Yesterday’s strong winds persisted into the night as night shift resources worked in the northwest corner of the fire to check-up and slow its spread out of the Walaluuks Canyon towards the Dot Road area. The wind also tested control lines along the eastern and southern portions of the fire and these areas held up well, with only minor mop-up challenges.   

Today’s planned activity: Additional resources will be directed to the northwest corner of the fire to inspect and improve containment lines in the Dot Road area.  Hazard and snag tree falling operations will be focused on the southwest corner of the fire.  Fire personnel will also be patrolling and mopping up along the other areas of the fire using cold trailing techniques (physically checking for any heat along containment lines). Aircraft resources will remain available to support on-the-ground operations. 

Evacuations and Road Closures: There were changes and additions to evacuation levels yesterday.  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.  Also closed is Rock Creek Road, Bikelton Highway between Old Mountain Road and the county line, Highway 14 is closed except for local traffic, and Hoctor Road is closed east of Oak Flat 

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. 

Total people assigned: 576

Engines: 52

Dozers: 9

Handcrews: 11

Water Tenders: 9

Overhead: 124

Type 1 Helicopter: 2

Type 2 Helicopter: 2

Air Tankers: As Needed