Wind Threatens Progress on Burdoin Fire Containment near White Salmon; new fire near Klickitat at 52 acres
Photo courtesy the Burdoin Snyder Canyon Fires 2025 Facebook Page.
Lyle, Wash., July 24, 2025 — High winds and dry weather are expected to challenge containment lines Thursday on the Burdoin Fire, where crews have made progress but still face active burning across difficult terrain. The fire, located about 2.5 miles east of White Salmon, has burned 11,248 acres and remains just 13% contained.
Fire crews, supported by aircraft, successfully conducted tactical firing operations Wednesday, July 23, to close gaps in the perimeter. But fire officials warn that isolated torching continues in many areas and full containment will take time.
“Containment means the threat of a fire escaping its boundaries is significantly reduced,” officials said, “but due to terrain and fuels in some areas, extensive work will be needed.”
With west winds expected to sustain speeds of 9 to 16 mph and gust up to 28 mph today — and stronger gusts forecast near the fire zone — crews remain on high alert. These winds can carry burning embers over ridges and firelines, starting dangerous spot fires miles away from the main burn area.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 86 degrees Thursday. Similar conditions to the day the fire first ignited prompted officials to call today “a critical day” in their response efforts.
Homes Patrolled as Nearby Fire Ignites
Structure protection teams continue to patrol neighborhoods in Klickitat and Wahkiacus, dousing hot spots near homes and remaining ready in case fire activity escalates.
Meanwhile, Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 13 has assumed command of the newly sparked Snyder Canyon Fire near Klickitat, which is estimated at 52 acres.
Evacuations, Road and Recreation Closures Remain in Place
No changes have been made to evacuation levels:
Level 3 (Go Now!) and Level 2 (Get Set) notices remain in effect in and around Klickitat and Wahkiacus.
Highway 14 is closed from milepost 66 (east of Bingen) to milepost 76 (west of Lyle).
Highway 142 is closed from Highway 14 to milepost 5.
Centerville Highway is closed from Highway 14 to Schilling Road.
Canyon Road is also closed.
A live evacuation map is available at: https://caltopo.com/m/0NL3FK3.
The fire has also forced closures at multiple outdoor recreation areas, including Catherine Creek, Coyote Wall, Balfour-Klickitat, Lyle Trailhead, Klickitat Milepost 1, and the Klickitat Wild and Scenic River. The full Forest Service closure order is posted at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.
Red Cross Shelters Open in White Salmon and The Dalles
Emergency shelters have been activated at:
Grace Baptist Church, 1280 W. Jewett Blvd., White Salmon, WA
The Dalles Middle School, 1100 E. 12th St., The Dalles, OR
Red Cross staff are available to assist displaced residents and help reconnect people with loved ones via the hotline at 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767).
Air Quality and Smoke
Air quality in most areas around the fire remains good, but residents — especially those in sensitive health groups — are advised to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activity. Real-time smoke and air quality updates are available at: https://fire.airnow.gov.
