Highway 12 Closed, Retreat/Rimrock Fire Grows: Level 3 Evacuations Issued

Highway 12 remains closed from the top of White Pass to to Oak Creek as firefighters battle the Retreat/Rimrock Fire. The blaze was reported at about 4:00 pm Tuesday 13 miles west of Naches at Highway 12 and Rainbow Rock Lane on private property.

LEVEL 2 and 3 EVACUATION NOTICES REMAIN IN PLACE

Level 3 Evacuation notices have been issued from Tieton Resevoir Road and Highway 12 to the east end of Windy Point Campground. Five miles North and Five miles south on either side of Highway 12, between Tieton Reservoir Road and Windy Point Campground. The fire is now at more than 2200 acres. The cause remains under investigation.

MEANWHILE THE BLACK CANYON FIRE CONTINUES TO GROW

The Black Canyon Fire continues to burn north of Selah which is now at 6500 acres. Firefighters aren't reporting any containment on either fire. Firefighters have been able to protect hundreds of homes in the fire's path. Level 3 Evacuation Orders remain in place for the fire. The evacuation area is from the north side of North Wenas Road from Wenas Lake to Boyd Road, the north side of Boyd Road east to Sheep Company Road and the west side of Sheep Company Road north to the horse trailer parking area on Old Durr Road.

REMEMBER CAMPFIRES ARE BANNED IN THE FOREST

Forest officials say they want to remind everyone that campfire restrictions remain in place across the entire Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. A press release says Stage 2 Fire Restrictions went into effect on Saturday July 20, banning campfires across the forest, including developed campgrounds and designated Wilderness areas.

THE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE BUT THERE ARE SOME ALLOWANCES

Under the forest-wide restriction, the use of wood and charcoal campfires is banned; however, people will still be able to use pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, lanterns, campfires or heating devices if no flammable material is present within three feet of the device. Devices must have an on/off switch or valve that can immediately extinguish the flame. Wood burning camp stoves will not be allowed.