Brewer Road Fire forces Evacuation for the communities of Klickitat & Wahkiacus
The Dalles, Ore., July 23, 2025 — A fast-moving wildfire broke out this afternoon on a remote, forested hillside along Brewer Road north of Klickitat, prompting Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations for the communities of Klickitat and Wahkiacus as fire crews raced to access the difficult terrain.
As of 2:18 p.m., law enforcement officers were going door-to-door to alert residents to evacuate. By midafternoon, Skookum Flats, Long Road, and the Wahkiacus Heights area were also under evacuation orders. Washington State Parks closed the Klickitat Trail between Lyle and Wahkiacus, and officials urged the public to avoid Highway 142 to allow emergency vehicles access to the scene.
Emergency response was swift, with aerial assets from the nearby Burdoin Fire diverted to assist. Aircraft responding included two small fixed-wing planes, two Canadair “Super Scoopers,” two helicopters, and a logging dozer attempting to create a firebreak.
Incident commanders reported difficulty accessing the fire’s origin due to rugged terrain. The fire is believed to have started around 1:35 p.m. near a logging operation roughly 3.5 miles up Brewer Road from Fisher Hill Road, near the Stevens Ranch area. Initial reports described a visible smoke plume, with multiple departments — including Appleton, Wahkiacus, and Klickitat — responding.
Second Fire Erupts on Bickleton Highway
Level 3 and Level 2 Evacuations are in place for the Bickleton Hwy/Oat Flat Rd Area. Evacuate to the East. Bickleton Hwy is Closed from Woodland Rd to Rock Creek.
Meanwhile, a second wildfire broke out Wednesday afternoon along Bickleton Highway, directly east of the Oak Flat Fire Hall, prompting new evacuations and further stretching local firefighting resources.
By 4:20 p.m., the Bickleton/Oak Flats Fire had burned an estimated 20 to 30 acres, jumping Old Mountain Road and moving quickly in smoky, low-visibility conditions. Evacuees were urged to head east through Rock Creek, with aircraft called in to protect threatened trailers on the fire’s southern edge.
By 4:40 p.m., fire officials said the worst had passed: “We’ve caught this,” a responder reported, as aircraft began returning to base. Ground crews remained on scene to reinforce containment lines and mop up spot fires.
What It Means for You:
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations are in effect for Klickitat, Wahkiacus, Skookum Flats, and surrounding areas.
Avoid Highway 142 to allow emergency crews access.
Emergency shelters and resources are likely to be activated if fire conditions worsen.
Follow Klickitat County 911 Dispatch / Emergency Management for real-time evacuation info.
Fires remain uncontained and wind conditions may influence fire spread overnight.
