Wildcat Fire Near Bumping Lake Doubles in Size Amid Hot Conditions

The Wildcat Fire burning west of Bumping Lake has doubled in size in the hot dry weather that continues in the Yakima valley.

BIG GROWTH ON THURSDAY

The fire, started by lightning late last month grew from 2,500 acres on Wednesday to 5,542 acres Thursday. So far there's no containment. That means more days ahead of smoky conditions in the valley. Firefighters are not only battling the flames but also the heat. A Red Flag Warning in effect over the fire area for hot, dry and unstable conditions until late Thursday.

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EVACUATION LEVELS CHANGED

An update from the Naches Fire Department says the fire continues to be fueled by hot and dry conditions, with a "visible smoke column that developed yesterday afternoon." The huge growth of the fire forced changes in evacuation levels. Yakima Valley Emergency Management increased evacuation levels for residents of Goose Prairie and Bumping River Road to Level 2 “Get Set.”

THE FIRE IS UNPREDICTABLE

The information from the Naches Fire Department Facebook page says "Crews scouted for opportunities to engage the fire’s edge, supported by aviation resources conducting reconnaissance and targeted water drops, however intense fire behavior limited direct engagement."

THE TERRAINE IS CHALLENGING

One of the biggest challenges for firefighter is the "dense fuel accumulation and rugged/roadless terrain."
The Firefighters are now identifying structures and protection plans along State Route 410 in the Timber Creek area. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority.