Tucannon Mutual Aid

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Tucannon Mutual Aid Fire ignited at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, near the intersection of Highway 12 and Tucannon Road, about eight miles east of Dayton in Columbia County, Washington.
Size and Containment: As of June 19, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 8,031 acres and is currently 50% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is primarily burning in tall grass (roughly 2.5 feet), brush, and livestock feeding grounds. Initially, high winds caused the fire to grow rapidly to over 6,000 acres within the first few hours. Currently, forward progression has been stopped, and the fire is exhibiting moderate behavior with backing, creeping, and smoldering.
Containment Efforts: The Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team is managing the response. State fire assistance was mobilized, bringing in five wildland strike teams, three hand crews, dozers, 20 engines, and air resources, totaling around 180 personnel. Firefighters have successfully placed a cold trail along the northern edge, while crews on the southeast side are allowing the fire to burn south to consume steep, unburned pockets of fuel.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Initial Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations were issued on Tuesday for areas near the fire but have since been lifted. Currently, there are no active evacuation orders in place.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings at this time.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because all evacuation orders have been lifted, there are no estimated populations currently displaced and no emergency shelters actively open for this fire. Residents should remain vigilant and monitor local emergency management channels.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Localized road closures remain in effect near the intersection of Highway 12 and Tucannon Road to allow fire apparatus to operate safely.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Authorities emphasize that unauthorized drone flights are a federal crime and will ground all firefighting aircraft.
• Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel in the vicinity of the fire to allow firefighters room to work.

For more information, visit:

• Columbia County Emergency Management
• 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 injuries or fatalities reported in connection with the Tucannon Mutual Aid Fire.
Structures Impacted: No primary residences or homes have been lost. However, a few outbuildings were damaged or destroyed during the initial wind-driven run. The fire has also threatened local energy infrastructure and critical livestock feeding grounds.
School and Business Closures: No significant school or business closures have been reported in relation to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire has primarily impacted rural agricultural areas, posing economic and operational challenges for local ranchers who rely on the burned livestock feeding grounds.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: While energy infrastructure was threatened, no widespread power outages have been reported.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Standard summer fire restrictions and burn bans are in effect for Columbia County and the surrounding region due to high fire danger.
Air Quality: Smoke from the smoldering fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents in Dayton and surrounding areas are advised to monitor air quality and stay indoors if smoke becomes heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire now at 50% containment and forward progression stopped, firefighters are making excellent progress. Crews will continue to monitor and mop up the perimeter, utilizing air resources to address any flare-ups. Full containment is expected to progress steadily over the coming days as crews secure the steep, unburned pockets on the southeast flank.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Officials warn of challenging weather ahead. Hot and dry conditions persist across the region, with shifting winds and gusts up to 30 mph expected through Friday. These conditions could test the established containment lines, keeping firefighters on high alert.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Tucannon Mutual Aid Fire is currently undetermined and remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Extreme fire weather played a significant role in the fire's initial rapid spread, driven by strong winds and dry fuels. The region is experiencing hot and dry conditions with low relative humidity, which is typical of the broader climate trends exacerbating wildfire activity and drying out vegetation across the western United States this summer.

For more information, visit:

• Washington State Fire Marshal's Office
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
• WFCA Fire Map