A fast-moving wildfire on the Yakama Nation south of Toppenish, Washington, has burned nearly 24,000 acres since igniting Sunday, June 14, making the Tule Road Fire one of the largest early-season fires in recent Pacific Northwest history.

Current Situation

As of the morning of June 18, the Tule Road Fire has consumed 23,959 acres of grass and brush approximately six miles south of Toppenish, with containment standing at just 15 percent. The fire is located on the Yakama Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs land, and has drawn a massive multiagency response.

The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC) described the blaze as exhibiting "extreme fire behavior with uphill and wind-driven runs" in early reports. As of Wednesday's afternoon update, fire behavior had moderated to moderate creeping, smoldering, and periodic wind-driven runs — a sign that overnight recovery efforts gained some ground, though the fire remains far from controlled.

Resources and Command

Complex Incident Management Northwest Team 2 assumed command of the Tule Road Fire at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, June 17. The incident now has 174 total personnel assigned, including:

  • 2 hand crews
  • 23 engines
  • 3 dozers
  • 1 helicopter

The Yakama Nation Fire Management has been the lead agency. Washington State Fire Mobilization resources have been dispatched to assist with this large and rapidly growing incident.

Road Closures and Infrastructure Impacts

At its most aggressive, the fire burned to the edge of US Highway 97, a major north-south arterial through south-central Washington. The Washington State Department of Transportation temporarily closed the highway between Goldendale and Toppenish before reopening it once conditions allowed. Travelers in the Yakima Valley should continue to monitor WSDOT alerts for potential closures if fire behavior increases.

Looking Ahead

Forecasters are watching a cold front expected to arrive by Friday, which could bring gusty, shifting winds before conditions moderate into the weekend. Until containment improves significantly, the Tule Road Fire remains a top priority for firefighting resources in the Pacific Northwest region. Residents in nearby communities should monitor Yakama Nation and Yakima County emergency management channels for updated evacuation and closure information.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Updates are posted on InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov.