Lodgepole Fire Threatens Highway 410; Public Advised to Limit Travel

While a portion of Highway 12 remains closed because of the Retreat/Rimrock fire nearby State Route 410 remains open. But the Lodgepole fire could impact the route if the fire grows and more resources are needed.

NO MAJOR GROWTH OF EITHER FIRE OVER THE LAST 12 HOURS

So far no growth in either fire after updates were issued this morning. Firefighters say the Retreat/Rimrock fire is currently measured at 45,601 acres at 70% containment. As firefighters work to fully contain that fire crews are busy repairing burned burned guardrails hoping to reopen the roadway soon.

THE LODGEPOLE FIRE IS BURNING IN AN AREA WITH LOTS OF FUEL

Fire crews are also working on the Lodgepole Fire started by a lightning strike on Monday afternoon. Crews from US Forest Service are working the fire according to the Naches Fire Department. The fire is now at 35 acres. Naches fire officials say the fire is burning within the Norse Peak fire scar boundary. Firefighters say the "scar is full of dead, dry snag trees and "large fallen timber on the ground. These large trees are what we call 1000 hour fuels burning long and hot." That kind of situation makes fighting a fire difficult and extremely dangerous.

TRYING TO PROTECT HIGHWAY 410 AND KEEP IT OPEN

Crews are now trying to establish buffer lines to protect Highway 410 which remains open at this time. However things could change quickly the reason why Naches Fire Department officials are asking you limit travel on State Route 410 to give Firefighters and equipment room to fight the blaze.