Update: Burdoin Fire Reaches 69% Containment; Snyder Canyon Remains in Patrol Status July 29, 2025

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Written By Joshuah Albert

Lyle, Wash., July 29, 2025 — Firefighters continued to gain ground Tuesday on the Burdoin Fire, which is now 69% contained and measured at 11,192 acres following more accurate mapping. Crews are reinforcing firelines across rugged terrain and have begun shifting to patrol, repair, and recovery work in several divisions. Meanwhile, the Snyder Canyon Fire remains fully contained at 53 acres and is under regular patrol.

"Everything’s looking real good," said Jesse Stone, field operations chief for Northwest Team 13, in a morning update. “There’s still some heat out there in places like Dixon Springs and Division Romeo, but we’re comfortable with what we’re seeing.”

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are now being used to detect residual heat sources, particularly near the Catherine Creek drainage, structure protection zones, and along Canyon Road. This approach allows crews to work more safely by pinpointing hot spots without hiking into steep, hazardous terrain.

Where tree canopy prevents the use of aerial resources, crews continue gridding on foot — walking in tight formation to identify and extinguish lingering heat.

In fully secured areas, firefighters are beginning repair work: clearing brush, removing equipment, and rehabilitating hand-cut and dozer lines.

Snyder Canyon: Contained but Monitored

Crews remain assigned to the Snyder Canyon Fire, where patrol operations are underway to monitor for any flare-ups. The fire, located northwest of Klickitat, was sparked by lightning on July 23 and quickly brought under control.

Fire Behavior and Weather Outlook

Interior burning is still visible in areas such as Divisions Romeo and Tango, but officials say these smoldering pockets are low-risk and can help naturally clean the forest understory.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s Tuesday, with a rising risk of dry thunderstorms Tuesday night into Wednesday — a forecast that has crews on alert for potential new ignitions.

Residents are reminded that fire restrictions remain in effect across Klickitat County, Washington DNR-protected lands, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. All open flames are prohibited due to extreme fire danger.

Evacuations and Closures

Evacuation levels have remained unchanged since Saturday evening.

  • Highways 14 and 142 are open to through traffic.

  • All other roads remain restricted to local traffic only.

Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and watch for emergency personnel and equipment in the area.

Recreation sites, including Catherine Creek, Coyote Wall, Balfour-Klickitat, Lyle Trailhead, Klickitat Milepost 1, and the Klickitat Wild and Scenic River, remain closed. Full closure details can be found at the U.S. Forest Service website.

Interactive evacuation maps:

Recovery Assistance

Residents seeking cleanup or recovery aid can visit Klickitat County Emergency Management or call 509-219-9555 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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Joshuah Albert