Firefighting Efforts Continue Across Yakima County

Firefighters are battling Hot temps and low humidity as they fight two large fires burning in Yakima County. The largest is the Tule Fire near south of Toppenish...that fire, reported on Sunday is now at 23,959 acres with 15% containment.

THE ROZA FIRE IS GROWING

The other large fire is the Roza Fire burning in the Yakima River Canyon north of Pomona. That fire is 3,923 acres at 20% containment.
A new fire on Wednesday kept firefighters busy. The Tieton Grade Fire grew to 40 acres overnight burning along the Naches Tieton Road. It was contained and doused by early this morning.

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WATCHING CLOSELY HOPING NO OTHER FIRES START

Fire officials are closely monitoring the wildfire situation, emphasizing caution as high temperatures and gusty winds are expected to return on Friday night. Two other large fires are burning in the state. Besides at least 15 homes, a fatality is believed linked to the Upriver Drive fire in Spokane, that has consumed a lot of scrub and brush. Tuesday afternoon possible human remains were found in one of the burned out homes, the Spokane County Sheriff's Department is investigating. The Juniper Dunes fire north of Pasco is 50 percent contained, after having burned 16K acres, and working into the wilderness area. multiple units continue to work on scene, the entire region is closed.

RED FLAG WARNINGS WERE ISSUED THIS WEEK

The National Weather Service issued a red flag on Monday warning for temperatures up to 95 degrees and strong winds, heightening the risk of fire spread which happened.
In response, Yakima County has declared a mandatory outdoor burn ban in unincorporated areas until August 31 to reduce fire danger during the peak summer months. The ban follows extensive planning among officials and fire agencies to promote wildfire prevention in the dry season.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid any activities that could ignite a fire.