Wildfire — Waterville Plateau, Washington

2020-07-11 to 2020-07-13 · Waterville Plateau, Washington

Event narrative

The Road 11 brush fire consumed approximately 10,000 acres of grassland and wheat. Several outbuildings were lost and there was damage to one home. The cost of firefighting resources to contain the blaze was calculated at 980,000 dollars.

Wider weather episode

Dry conditions over central Washington in July created dry fuel conditions across the region. The Road 11 Wildfire developed on July 11th initially burning northward. A change in wind direction pushed the fire eastward threatening the town of Mansfield and requiring the closure of State Route 172. Level 3 evacuation notices were issued for Mansfield as the fire approached. Several outbuildings were destroyed, one home damaged, and nearly 10,000 acres of grass, sage, and wheat were burned. State assistance was mobilized to help local firefighters and contain the wildfire by late July 13th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 913349. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.