Published Thursday, August 4, 2022, 2000 hours PT
The COW CANYON FIRE was first reported on Wednesday, August 3, at 1445 hours PT, as a small five-acre fire from an unknown source.
It would later explode into a fire of 1,500 acres consumed, prompting evacuation orders during the initial start of this incident. TODAY, the fire has burned about 5,600 acres and there is still a 0% containment status.
It originated at the BBQ Flats Campground in Selah, Washington.
Evacuation orders were issued for 50 homes and/or structures in both Kittitas and Yakima Counties.
Aviation resources are using nearby Wenas Lake to dip from.
Incident Cooperators include the Yakima County Fire District, Selah Fire Department, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, The Red Cross, and the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management, along with four hand crews, deployed engine strike teams, dozers, water tenders, and air resources.
No injuries to civilians or firefighters have been reported.
The Type 3 IMT has assumed command of the fire.
Here are some of the quotes from eyewitnesses or general statements released by various organizations in the area:
“The [fire] is about 2.5 miles south of our camp and we are under a Level 2 evacuation which means get ready to go. The Day Camp kids came and went today for the shortest day of camp ever. The evacuation will stay in place overnight so we are canceling day camp again tomorrow. ” – Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center (Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lazyfcamp)
Mapping (used with permission) Credit: Washington Hometown. Maps can be found at https://www.washingtonhometown.com/fires
Hashtags for this incident are being used by those on Social Media including our daily postings: #CowCanyonFire #waWILDFIRE
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