Two fast-moving wildfires tore across central and eastern Washington on Tuesday, forcing evacuations, choking neighborhoods with smoke and pushing crews into all-out firefighting mode. South of Yakima, a grass-and-brush blaze locals know as the Tule Road Fire ballooned into a massive burn scar, while an Upriver fire east of Spokane turned into a structure‑threatening emergency in a matter of hours. Hot, dry air and gusty winds helped both fires sprint across the landscape and strained response resources statewide.
Massive Blaze South of Toppenish
The Tule Road Fire started Sunday about five miles south of Toppenish and by Tuesday night had torn through more than 20,000 acres, with containment still sitting at 0%. The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center called it “extreme fire behavior with uphill and wind driven runs,” as crews watched flames push up against U.S. Highway 97. As reported by KATU, the Washington State Department of Transportation briefly shut down the highway between Goldendale and Toppenish before reopening it once conditions allowed.
Upriver Fire East of Spokane Threatens Homes
North of Upriver Drive east of Spokane, a separate blaze ignited just before midday Tuesday and quickly turned into a fast-moving wildland fire. Agencies put the size between roughly 292 and 352 acres as aircraft and ground crews tried to box it in, according to KHQ. The Washington state fire marshal issued Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders as the flames threatened about 500 homes along with power lines, water supply and other critical infrastructure. Local officials confirmed some structures were lost, and emergency shelters opened to take in evacuees.
Evacuations and Shelters
Authorities urged anyone inside evacuation zones to leave immediately and to rely on official county maps and alert systems for the latest boundaries and shelter locations. Fire agencies warned of heavy smoke, frequent aircraft in the area and rapidly changing road conditions, a fluid and unpredictable situation noted by KATU. The Red Cross and local churches stood up shelters to receive families who had to leave with little notice.
What Officials Say and What’s Next
Gov. Bob Ferguson requested a federal fire management assistance declaration to help cover the extraordinary suppression costs, a move that would unlock federal support for the response, KHQ reported. Fire investigators are still working to pin down the causes of both incidents while crews continue overnight operations where conditions allow. Residents are being told to keep close tabs on local emergency alerts and county information channels for any new evacuation orders, road closures or shelter updates.
