Breaking News: Knight Road Fire Near Goldendale
Photo Credit: Patrick Wright
Goldendale, WA, July 13, 2023 - A rapidly spreading wildfire was reported at 3:15 p.m. today on Knight Road near Goldendale, prompting immediate evacuation orders and a swift response from firefighting agencies. The fire was estimated to have burned 100+ acres at this time.
Klickitat Emergency Management Update July 13, 2023 at 10:00 p.m. :
From Klickitat County 911 Dispatch: The Klickitat County Sheriff’s office in cooperation with the Unified Fire Command Fire District 7, DNR, has decreased the evacuation level for the area between Knight Road and Pipeline Road (highlighted in orange) to a Level 1, Get Ready evacuation order.
A DNR, strike team will be on site overnight partoling the fire, and tomorrow they will return with a strike team to mop up.
Traffic Update: Pine forest road remains closed between Foster Road and Knight road.
No homes were lost in the blaze but one out building was burned.
To sign up for the Emergency Management Notification System visit: https://www.klickitatcounty.org/1235/Emergency-Notification
Update July 13th, 2023 at 7:43 p.m.:
The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office has declared a Level 3, GO NOW evacuation for Pine Forest Road and portions of Ponderosa. Residents in these areas are urged to evacuate immediately, seeking safety at Hanging Rock.
Evacuation Map from Klickitat County 911 Dispatch / Emergency Management Facebook Page. Orange indicates Level of
The Klickitat County fairgrounds are being opened for people who need to evacuate animals. A shelter is being set up at the Methodist Church in Goldendale.
The blaze is being fueled by dry brush and trees, and aided by strong winds gusting up to 18 mph. However, forecasters predict the wind speed will decrease, providing some relief to the firefighting efforts.
The fire's progression threatens densely wooded areas, heightening concerns among residents and officials alike. The intensity of the blaze has necessitated an air attack, utilizing helicopters, a spotter plane, and a tanker to combat the wildfire from above.
There have been reports of sporadic spot fires breaking out and big plumes of black smoke. One spot fire was reported in the area of Ponderosa Park at 4:15 p.m.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, focusing their efforts on establishing containment lines on the north and south sides of the fire. Recent reports indicate progress on the western side, with a "good wet line" established between West Ponderosa and Juniper.
The situation is dynamic, and residents are advised to stay informed through official channels. As the fire continues to pose a significant threat, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution, follow evacuation orders promptly, and cooperate with emergency personnel.
We will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
Please stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.
From Columbia Gorge Wildland and Fire Information Page:
NEW FIRE: KNIGHT ROAD near Goldendale,
July 13, 2023 3:15 pm
DISPATCH # WASES-418
ESTIMATED SIZE: 100 acres per dispatch
Wildfire EVACS BELOW
Klickitat Co., Knight Road
GPS: 45.875376, -120.874597
WIND: 10-15 mph ENE gusting to 18, forecast to decrease
FUELS: brush and trees
Timeline:
There is a shelter set up at the Methodist Church and animals can go to fairgrounds.
7:10 p.m. Power re-energizing to some areas. This is good news. Also, fire appears knocked down, possibly in Mop UP
7:05 p.m. Fire bosses last drop, will continue with the trucks.
Looks like most of the focus now is the east flank According to the scanner. Some spot fires have been contained.
Some northern areas they’re pulling manpower from because the air support has it managed.
This all looks like good stuff.
7 p.m. Looking a lot better on the east side but still have some work to do.
Working on the far east flank toward the road to make sure no spot fires happen and staying out of the way of air control.
(from radio)
~ 5:30 p.m. FROM KLICKITAT COUNTY 911 DISPATCH
https://www.facebook.com/KlickitatDEM911
DUE to current wildfire Northwest of Goldendale:
Level 3 Evacuation ' Go Now'
Level 3 (GO) means danger is currently affecting your area or is imminent and you should leave immediately. During this level, Klickitat County Emergency Management may send an Emergency Notification System (ENS) to all landline telephones and residents who have registered with the ENS in the affected area. Emergency personnel may contact residents through door-to-door notifications.
also from comments about 5:35 p.m. They have the heat off of it, have some working at the south edge pass red cedar and are going to gather at the corner of knight and pine to discuss what groups need to hit what areas.
4:30 ish... from nearby resident with scanner: Still burning briskly, moving (from??) WNW. Wins is gusting to 18 mph but forecast to decrease.
2 helicopters dumping H2O.
We hear spot fires breaking out but they do not sound freaked out.
Not contained yet.
We see sporadic big plumes of black smoke.
4:25 p.m. Water on the north side now, another tender just showed up. Getting rotors to come help on North side
Fire is getting extinguished west ponderosa to Juniper, Have a good wet line around it.
4:15 p.m. 20x20 spot fire in Ponderosa Park
4 p.m .Working on getting the other roters out and hopefully get the north and south side contained as well. Sounds like they are getting a containment line closer...
3:55 p.m. Fire in trees heading toward Ponderosa.
3 Helicopters working the fire, a USFS spotter plane, and a tanker.
Ponderosa called by Sheriff to Level 3. Pine forest road closed from golf course to knight rd level 3 evacs for the area
EVACUATIONS: Level 3 to Hanging Rock.May go to Level 2 East of Hanging Rock. Much of Ponderosa is being evacuated
Opening up the Fairgrounds for people with animals.Doesnt sound good for anyone North and East of Pine Forest.
THERE IS AIR ATTACK IN PROCESS
3:20 PM. Fire off of knight road outside goldendale, rural 7 responding
fire is moving east through grass and brush..
Fire has reached the trees
Level 3 evacuations issues for pine forest road
Waiting for additional information
From up on Rimrock "seeing a fire accross the valley other side of 97 towards Adams going fast in this wind"
