Colwash Fire in Yakima County Expands to Over 38,000 Acres, Triggers Evacuations
Colwash Fire in Yakima County Expands to Over 38,000 Acres, Triggers Evacuations
US · Published Aug 24, 2026
The Colwash Fire, which began as a 25-30 acre vegetation fire in Yakima County, Washington, on the morning of Saturday, August 22, 2026, has rapidly grown to 38,798 acres by 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 23,
The fire remains at 0% containment and has prompted Level 3 evacuation orders for residents in Yakima and Benton counties. The fire has been spreading quickly, with significant growth reported throughout Saturday and into Sunday. The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated to coordinate state assistance. A Red Cross shelter has been established at Prosser High School, located at 1500 Paterson Road, to assist evacuees. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on evacuation zones and fire progression. (Source time: Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:25:32 GMT)

Impact & Risks

The Colwash Fire poses an immediate threat to residents in Yakima and Benton counties, particularly those in areas under Level 3 evacuation orders. These include residents east of the Benton County line, south of State Route 22, south and west of State Route 221, and north of Sellards Road. In Yakima County, areas near Highway 22 from Glade Road to the county line, including Byron Hill Road, are also at risk. The fire has approached power lines and structures, increasing the potential for property damage and power outages. The rapid growth of the fire underscores the urgency for residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately.

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