PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Newell Road Fire continues to grow in Klickitat County, Wash. and now spans 50,000 acres, according to the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management.
Officials said the wind-driven fire experienced “significant growth” since 2 p.m. Saturday and progressed 20 miles through homes, wheat fields, wind turbines and a solar farm.
On Saturday, officials reported that the fire was 0% contained and ordered a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation for residents of the Cleveland and Bickleton areas as well as Goonoe Station area situated in the southwest portion of the fire. A Level 3 “Go Now” order means “danger is currently affecting your area or is imminent and you should leave immediately,” officials say.
Meanwhile, the areas west of the Level 3 evacuation areas — west of Rock Creek from Box Canyon to Highway 14 — are under Level 1 “Get Ready” and Level 2 “Get Set” orders. A Level 1 “Get Ready” order is an advisory that fire could eventually make it to your area. It’s a good time to pack bags and monitor media outlets. A Level 2 “Get Set” order means there is already significant risk in your area and you should begin relocating somewhere safe.
According to the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management, the fire started around 3:35 p.m. on Friday on Newell Road and grew to 30,000 acres from Friday to Saturday.
The fire management team will transition to a Type 2 Incident Management Team on Monday, officials said.
It is not yet clear how the fire started. Officials are sending updates via Facebook.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.
