MOXEE, Wash.- Yakima Valley Emergency Management has confirmed that residents are permitted to return to their homes as evacuation levels drop to Level 1 “Be Alert” status.
The Thorp Road Fire has 2,500 acres and is under control, but not yet contained.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Ray Lamoureux with Yakima County Fire District #4, the fire is no longer progressing, however, flames are still visible and crews will remain on scene for the next 24 to 48 hours mopping up.
Fire crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the night to prevent any flare-ups with winds expected in the area.
Multiple agencies from around the region, as well as the Department of Natural Resources and the Bureau of Land Management are helping fight the fire, according to Deputy Chief Lamoureux and there are currently no changes to the evacuation levels.
No homes or structures have burned in the fire and no injuries have been reported.
JULY 5. 7 a.m.
State firefighting resources have now been mobilized to fight the Thorp Road Fire.
Deputy Fire Chief Ray Lamoureux with Yakima County Fire District 4 requested the mobilization and WSP Chief John Batiste mobilized state resources at 7 a.m. on July 5.
The Thorp Road Fire is currently burning about 700 acres, according to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The evacuation levels for the wildfire near Moxee have been reduced from Level 3 (Go Now) to level 2 (Be Ready) for residents in the 1600 Thorp Road area.
Evacuation levels remain at Level 3 for the following areas, according to Yakima Valley Emergency Management:
Birchfield Road to Gamache RoadGamache Road to Faucher RoadFaucher Road to Konnowac Pass RoadKonnowac Pass Road to Yakima Valley HighwayYakima Valley Highway to I-82 and Burke Road
The fire, that started around 10:30 p.m. on the 4th of July is still zero percent contained, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ray Lamoureux, with Yakima County Fire District #4.
No injuries have been reported due to the fire and no structures have burned, according to Deputy Chief Lamoureux. The total size of the fire is unknown at this time.
Original Coverage:
Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation orders have been issued for those in the area of Alps Trailer Park and Thorp Road in Moxee.
According to the Yakima Valley Emergency Management, Level 3 evacuations were prompted due to a wildfire in the area. Those within the evacuation zone are instructed to leave immediately.
As of 12:45 a.m. on July 5, the American Red Cross has opened the Union Gap School located at 3201 South 4th Street, as an evacuation center.
The evacuation boundary is;
Thorp Road and Birchfield RoadBirchfield Road across Rattlesnake Ridge to Yakima Valley HighwayYakima Valley Highway and I-82 to Thorp Road Thorp Road to Birchfield Road
The cause of the fire is unknown.
This is a developing story, more information will appear as available.
