GARRED ROAD

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Garred Road Fire ignited on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at approximately 4:01 p.m. near Coulee City, along the Grant and Douglas County line in Washington. The fire initially sparked north of U.S. Highway 2.
Size and Containment: As of the latest reports on June 24, 2026, the fire has burned between 3,346 and 3,500 acres and is officially at 0% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning primarily in sagebrush, dry grass, and brush. Initially brought under control at around 500 acres on Sunday evening, the fire rekindled late Monday morning. Driven by strong winds and dry conditions, the fire exhibited active, wind-driven runs and spotting. It rapidly ballooned to over 3,300 acres as it pushed south across both U.S. Highway 2 and State Route 17.
Containment Efforts: The Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team assumed command on Tuesday morning. State fire assistance was mobilized, bringing the total response to 268 personnel, five hand crews, two bulldozers, and 30 engines. Heavy air tankers and helicopters, including UH-60 Black Hawks, have been utilizing the south end of Banks Lake for water dips. Estimated costs to date have reached approximately $1 million.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: All previous Level 3 ("Go Now") evacuation orders for the Sun Lakes and Dry Falls areas have been lifted. During the peak of the fire's run, at least 200 families, 50 day guests, and 50 staff members were rapidly evacuated from the Sun Lakes Resort.
Evacuation Warnings: As of Tuesday afternoon, all evacuation notices for the Garred Road Fire have been downgraded to Level 1 ("Get Ready"). Residents and visitors are advised to remain alert and be prepared to leave if conditions change.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Displaced campers and residents were directed away from the Sun Lakes area. Residents should monitor local emergency management updates for any changes in evacuation status.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• U.S. Highway 2 and State Route 17 were previously closed due to the fire crossing the roadways, but both have now reopened to traffic.
• Monument Coulee Road within Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park remains closed.
• Boaters are strictly advised to avoid the south end of Banks Lake to allow firefighting aircraft to safely dip for water.

For more information, visit:

• Grant County Sheriff's Office
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildfire Incident Information
• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Real-Time Travel Map

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Garred Road Fire.
Structures Impacted: Firefighters have successfully protected all primary residences. No primary structures have been lost, though a few outbuildings and outhouses sustained damage. The fire burned right up to the edge of the Sun Lakes Resort property, threatening infrastructure and nearby wheat fields.
School and Business Closures: Sun Lakes State Park and Dry Falls State Park experienced temporary shutdowns and mass evacuations of campers and resort guests.
Notable Impacts: The evacuation of the popular Sun Lakes Resort heavily impacted vacationing families and park staff who had to flee rapidly as the wall of fire approached the campgrounds.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No major power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: Boaters must stay clear of the south end of Banks Lake due to ongoing aerial firefighting operations.
Burn Bans: Washington State is experiencing intense fire weather, and local burn bans and fire restrictions are in effect across Grant and Douglas counties.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire may affect local air quality. Residents with respiratory issues in the Coulee City and Sun Lakes areas should take precautions and limit outdoor exposure.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: While official containment remains at 0%, crews have established solid fire lines around the perimeter. Incident command officials note that the 0% figure is because the lines have not yet been fully "wind-tested." Firefighters are making excellent progress monitoring the lines, mopping up hotspots, and preventing further spread.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The region continues to experience hot, dry, and breezy conditions. Firefighters are remaining vigilant as the dry climate and low humidity levels keep the fire danger elevated.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the fire was human-caused. Local authorities are still conducting a full investigation into the exact circumstances of the ignition.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid expansion was heavily fueled by extreme fire weather conditions typical of the intensifying Washington wildfire season. A combination of an extremely dry regional climate, temperatures in the low 80s, low humidity (hovering near 20%), and strong winds allowed the fire to jump two major highways and spread rapidly through highly combustible dry sagebrush and grass.

For more information, visit:

• Washington State Fire Marshal's Office
• WFCA Interactive Fire Map
• Douglas County Emergency Management