Newell Road Fire Threatens Homes and Farms in Klickitat County

The Newell Road Fire, an intense inferno that has quickly grown to over 56,000 acres, is currently wreaking havoc in Klickitat County, Washington. As of Sunday, July 23, the situation has reached a critical point, leading local fire officials to issue a “Level 3 – Go Now” evacuation order for specific areas, with “Level 1 and 2” orders for other regions. Residents can find detailed evacuation information for their neighborhoods on a dedicated community Facebook page.

Newell Road Fire Originates Friday July 21, 2023

The fire originated on Friday, July 21, before 3 pm near the intersection of Newell Road and Dot Road. Over the ensuing hours, it rapidly spread in multiple directions, posing a severe threat to homes, farm buildings, crops, solar farms, wind farms, and livestock in its path.

Adding to the concern are two significant structures at risk: the Williams Natural Gas Pipeline and the Roosevelt Landfill. The presence of a gas line in the fire’s path creates an extremely hazardous situation for anyone in proximity to the blaze.

The severity of the situation prompted the Board of Commissioners to declare a state of emergency for the county by 10 pm on Friday. As of 9 am on Saturday, the fire remained 0% contained and had already caused extensive destruction to numerous structures.

Klickitat government officials expressed deep concern for the safety of residents and emphasized the importance of swift and safe evacuations. They also conveyed thoughts for the firefighters and first responders, who courageously battle the blaze in an effort to save lives.

Learn more about resources for wildfire victims.

The impact of the Newell Road Fire extends beyond Klickitat County, reaching neighboring Bickleton County, a primarily agricultural area dotted with various farms and communities. Residents in these regions face the risk of hazardous smoke and flames, as several structures have already been lost, and several roads, including Roosevelt Grade Road, Middle Road, Old Highway 8 North, and Dot Road, have been closed.

Wildfires have become an increasingly menacing threat to Washington state, particularly in the dry and hot conditions of late spring to early autumn. Human activities often contribute to the frequency and intensity of these destructive infernos, which have devastating consequences for both the environment and local communities.

Related: Wildfire Settlements

The state’s lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes are vulnerable to destruction, threatening valuable ecosystems and various plant and animal species. Additionally, wildfires displace residents through frequent evacuations, and homes, businesses, and infrastructure are at risk of destruction.

Washington’s Investment in Wildfire Prevention

Washington has made significant investments in wildfire prevention and firefighting efforts, collaborating with various agencies and communities to detect and respond to fires swiftly. Despite these efforts, the challenge of wildfires remains ongoing and requires the assistance of qualified wildfire attorneys to investigate the cause of fires and determine accountability for losses.

If you or anyone you know has been impacted by the Newell Road Fire, such as being evacuated, sustaining property damage, or suffering injuries, it is crucial to contact experienced attorneys.