The Tucannon Fire, burning approximately eight miles east of Dayton in Columbia County, has grown to 7,732 acres with just 10 percent containment as of Thursday morning, June 18. The fire ignited Tuesday afternoon at approximately 4:15 p.m. and exploded through dry grass and brush under strong winds and critically low humidity before growing to an estimated 6,000 acres within hours of ignition.

State Mobilization Activated

The Washington State Patrol activated the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan on June 16, bringing mutual aid resources from across the state to supplement local firefighters working to contain the Tucannon Fire. State fire mobilization is reserved for incidents that exceed local and regional capacity and involve threats to life, critical infrastructure, or communities.

The fire is burning through grass and brush and has threatened primary residences, critical infrastructure, and livestock feeding operations in the area. Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations were issued for areas east of Dayton impacted by the blaze, with some areas under Level 2 “Be Set” notices as well.

Fire Behavior and Terrain

The Tucannon watershed is characterized by rolling wheat and grass country transitioning into heavier brush and timber in the Blue Mountains foothills. The combination of highly cured grasses, steep terrain, and sustained post-frontal winds allowed the fire to make multiple large runs in its first 24 hours. By Wednesday morning, the fire had grown overnight and remained at zero percent containment, with firefighters working to establish anchor points and build fireline under challenging conditions.

By Thursday’s NIFC situation report, containment had reached 10 percent, a sign that crews have begun establishing effective perimeter control on parts of the fire.

Resources Assigned

Dozens of engines, hand crews, dozers, and air resources have been deployed to the Tucannon Fire. Aerial retardant drops have been used to slow fire spread near threatened structures. A Type 1 or Type 2 Incident Management Team is expected to be assigned given the fire’s size and complexity.

What Columbia County Residents Should Know

  • Level 3 (“Go Now”) evacuations are in effect for portions of Columbia County east of Dayton
  • Livestock owners in evacuation zones are urged to move animals to safe locations if not already done
  • Do not return to evacuation zones until officially cleared by Columbia County Emergency Management
  • For updates, monitor the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Washington Emergency Management Division

The Tucannon Fire remains a top priority assignment in the Northwest geographic area. Firefighters will continue suppression and structure protection operations through the weekend as conditions allow.