AM FIRE UPDATE | Saturday, July 6, 2024 | 1030 hours PT

Photo Credit: Lewis County Fire Protection District #5

The THORP ROAD FIRE is burning about five miles southeast of Yakima (Yakima County), Washington, which started on private land on July 4th from a human-caused source.

According to the NWCC: “Significant fire potential will increase as fire danger indices rise.

Peak fire danger is expected by about Wednesday of next week as the effects of the heat wave accumulate.

General winds increasing mainly over central and eastern Oregon will boost fire potential on Saturday but will decrease again on Sunday as the hot weather continues.

RED FLAG WARNINGS from local weather offices will depict where the combination of wind and low humidity is worst.

WHAT IS A RED FLAG WARNING?

A Red Flag Warning is when the winds are 25-MPH+, there are high temps and low humidity levels (below 20%), dry fire fuels, and the possibility of dry lightning strikes. – Source: Yakima FD

The threat of ignitions from lightning remains low through Tuesday or Wednesday.”

Photo Credit: Naches FD

The fire has burned about 2,100 acres of grass as of this morning and resources have reached a 50% containment status.

More personnel and equipment have arrived on the scene, as part of State Mobilization resources. According to the NIFC report this morning, there are a total of 205 personnel with three crews, 27 engines, and two copters.

Some of the Incident Cooperators include:

Naches Fire Department

Yakima County Fire District #4 – East Valley

Yakima County Sheriff’s Office

Washington State Emergency Operations Center – Camp Murray

Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office

East Valley Fire Department

WA Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR)

Yakima Valley Emergency Management Agency

American Red Cross. Evacuation shelter at The Union Gap School 3201 South 4th Street, Union Gap, WA.

Currently, the fire behavior has been observed as active with running, wind-driven runs, and creeping.

Evacuations are still in effect.

The total cost-to-date so far for fire suppression and containment efforts has reached $250,000.

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