Retreat/Rimrock Fire Containment Efforts Progress Amid Ongoing Cleanup

Local firefighters are set to assume full control of the Retreat/Rimrock fire by the end of the day on Monday, as containment efforts progress and "diligent mop up and suppression operations" take place.

CLOSE TO FULL CONTAINMENT AS FIREFIGHTERS START CLEANUP

The fire, which has burned 45,601 acres, is now 85% contained, with the cause still under investigation. Fortunately, all evacuation levels have been lifted, allowing residents to return to their homes as the situation stabilizes.

HIGHWAY 12 IS NOW OPEN BUT WATCH FOR ROAD WORK

After being closed since July 23, Highway 12 over White Pass reopened on Saturday, although officials are warning drivers of reduced speeds and traffic controls in areas undergoing road work. Crews are in the process of replacing 2,100 feet of guard rail and 350 posts to ensure safety along the highway.

LOTS OF WORK TO FULLY CONTAIN ALL THE FLAMES

Firefighters on the scene are actively patrolling containment lines, extinguishing remaining hot spots, and clearing hazards from internal road systems. They are also removing debris, such as logs and brush, that were collected during efforts to prepare shaded fuel breaks along Forest Roads 1200 and 1201. Additionally, unneeded equipment and fire hoses are being cleared from the fire area to streamline operations.

CONTAINMENT WORK ON THE NEARBY LODGEPOLE FIRE UNDERWAY

In related news, the Lodgepole fire, located nearby, has also transitioned into a more manageable phase. According to a recent press release, the combined efforts of firefighters, aerial support, and favorable rain conditions have led to a reduction in the fire's intensity. The Naches Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is now able to take command of the incident with minimal resources, as the threat to surrounding communities and utilities has significantly diminished.

IT'S JUST A SMOLDERING SLOW FIRE RIGHT NOW

Fire officials have noted that the Lodgepole fire has slowed considerably, with most activity confined to the interior of the perimeter. This is primarily due to the presence of large dead and downed material left from the 2017 Norse Peak Fire.

NO MORE UPDATES AFTER MONDAY

With firefighting efforts winding down for both the Retreat/Rimrock and Lodgepole fires, officials have announced that no further updates will be provided after Monday. As the community begins to recover, gratitude is extended to the brave firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly to protect lives and property throughout these challenging incidents.