Rapidly Spreading Colwash Fire Forces Immediate Evacuations Across Yakima and Benton Counties

TOPPENISH, Wash. — A fast-moving vegetation fire, now identified as the Colwash Fire, has exploded in size, ballooning to an estimated 8,000 acres and triggering urgent evacuation orders across Yakima and Benton counties.

The blaze, which was first reported on Saturday morning approximately two miles northeast of BIA Road 15 and 196, has grown exponentially from its initial report of just 30 acres. By late Saturday evening, the scale of the fire prompted authorities to issue life-safety warnings for residents in the path of the flames.

Urgent Evacuation Orders

Emergency management officials have issued a series of "Level 3 – GO NOW" orders, signaling an immediate threat to life and property. Residents in the following areas are urged to evacuate immediately:

• Yakima County: Areas south of WA-22, west of Glade Road to the county line, and along WA-22 from Glade Road to the county line, including Byron Hill Road.
• Benton County: Areas east of the county line, south of WA-22, south and west of WA-221, and north of Sellards Road.

Additionally, a "Level 2 – BE SET" evacuation notice remains in effect for the north side of WA-22 in the Mabton area, where residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

Road Closures and Resources

As fire crews work to establish containment lines, authorities have closed Sellards Road from Bert James Road to the county line to ensure safe passage for emergency vehicles and fleeing residents.

For those displaced by the fire, a Red Cross evacuation shelter has been established at Prosser High School, located at 1500 Paterson Road, Prosser, WA 99350.

A Rapidly Evolving Situation

The fire, which originated near Toppenish, has displayed aggressive behavior throughout the day, driven by volatile conditions. The Colwash Fire crossed into Benton County earlier this evening, complicating containment efforts as agencies coordinate across county lines.

Official containment figures have not yet been released as incident commanders focus on immediate suppression and the safety of the affected communities. Residents are encouraged to monitor local emergency management channels and official updates for the most current information regarding the fire’s progress and evacuation boundaries.

This is a developing story. Please stay tuned to local emergency alerts for the latest updates.