9/2/2020 Evans Canyon Fire Update

Northwest Incident Management Team 12, Incident Commander, Jeff Dimke

September 2, 2020

Summary: Evans Canyon Fire is burning actively about 8 miles north of Naches in Yakima County, Washington. The fire is moving primarily southeast and northeast, and is driven by winds that are expected to continue until late this evening, challenging containment. Weather forecasts call for a warming and drying trend, with winds of 15 to 18 mph and 25- to 30-mph gusts. Temperatures will be 82 to 86 ˚F.

Yesterday’s Operations: Crews spent most of the day providing protection around structures. Firefighters worked to secure spot fires which jumped containment lines on   the north and south sides of the fire. Reports indicate that primary residences and outbuildings were lost. Command was transferred to the regional Northwest Incident Management Team 12 at 8 p.m.

Today’s Operations: Firefighting crews will continue to provide protection for communities and structures. Assessments will be conducted to determine the number and locations of lost structures. Crews will work to establish control lines around the perimeter of the fire. We are deploying aircraft to assist firefighting efforts. Additional crews, engines and other equipment have also been ordered.

Closures: North Wenas Road is closed at Longmire Road. BBQ Flats and Wenas recreation areas are closed. The Yakima River Canyon is now closed, including boat launches and campgrounds. 

Safety Message: Evacuation levels 1 (ready), 2 (set), and 3 (go) are currently in use. Level 3 evacuation orders are in place for all homes north of Wenas Lake, west of Longmire Lane and north of Naches Wenas Road in Selah, and north to the (Kittitas) County line. Level 3 evacuations also extend south to Wenas Creek. A level 2 evacuation order is in place to the east of Sheep Company Road to the Yakima River, and in the Yakama Canyon. For evacuation updates, visit the Facebook page @ YakimaCountyOEM. Please be aware of increased fire traffic in the fire area and surrounding communities.