Retreat Fire

Retreat Fire
Fire as seen from Rimrock Lake
Date(s)	July 23, 2024 (ongoing)
Location	Rimrock Lake area Yakima County, Washington, U.S.
Coordinates	46°40′14.99″N 120°59′30.18″W / 46.6708306°N 120.9917167°W / 46.6708306; -120.9917167
Statistics
Burned area	45,601 acres (184.54 km2)
Land use	National Forest, rural area
Ignition
Cause	under investigation
Map
Perimeter of the Retreat Fire (map data)
Approximate location of the Retreat Fire
Season
← 2023

The Retreat Fire or Rimrock Retreat Fire was a wildfire between Rimrock Lake and the town of Tieton in Yakima County, Washington.

The fire began on July 23, 2024 as the result of a propane tank explosion at a Rimrock Retreat cabin.^[1] As of August 12, 2024^[update], it had burned over 45,601 acres (18,454 ha),^[2] including three residences and two other buildings.^[3]

The fire caused the closure of U.S. Route 12 across White Pass, and "evacuate now" orders were issued to residents near Rimrock Lake on July 24.^[4][5] Outdoor city amenities and events were closed in Yakima on July 25 due to poor air quality, which was "unhealthy" or "very unhealthy" for all people at monitoring stations across the Yakima Valley.^[6][7] An emergency across Yakima County was declared by the government on July 26.^[8]

A Red Cross shelter for displaced persons was opened on July 26 at the high school in Naches.^[9] Residents of Tieton were ordered to prepare to evacuate on July 28.^[10]

White Pass was closed from July 23 to August 17 due to the wildfire.^[11]

The more than century-old Tieton Main Canal was shut down by managers who were unable to assess damage from the fire. Much of the canal is not approachable by motor vehicle and must be repaired by teams on foot with wheelbarrows.^[12]

The fire burned many power poles leading up to the White Pass summit, which could take months to replace.^[13]

The evacuation order was lifted on August 16,^[14] and U.S. 12 was reopened on August 17, though portions were one lane only.^[15] As of September 8, 2024^[update], the fire was contained though authorities were hesitant to declare it fully out until snow begins to fall.^[16] Repairs have begun on both the canal and U.S. 12.

• 2024 Washington wildfires

• Media related to Retreat Fire at Wikimedia Commons