Yakima County, WA, USA - July 26, 2024

Firefighters are employing a full suppression strategy to manage the Retreat Fire, prioritizing the safety of both the public and firefighting personnel. Yesterday, operations focused on conducting firing activities along several key roads including Cowiche Road, Hatton Road, Bethel Ridge Road, and Highway 12. These efforts, aimed at creating containment lines, will continue today as crews work tirelessly to safeguard the communities of Tieton, Cowiche, and nearby private properties.

In the southwestern sector near Jump Off Lookout, where the fire remains active, large air tankers have been deployed to prevent further westward spread. On the northern and northwest fronts, firefighting crews are constructing indirect fire lines along Bethel Ridge Road, extending southward towards Highway 12 via the Pine Creek Road network. Firing operations are planned in these areas over the coming days to mitigate potential fire advancement towards Rimrock Lake.

Meanwhile, structure protection teams are actively extinguishing hotspots near residential areas and critical infrastructure along Highway 12. Hazard trees are also being removed to enhance safety measures. Assessment and preparation work around Camp Ghormley and Lost Lake Road areas are underway to fortify defenses against the fire's progression westward.