Newell Road Fire

The Newell Road Fire was a wildfire in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. The fire began near Roosevelt at about 3:20 pm Pacific Time on July 21, 2023 and burned 60551 acre. It was 100% contained on July 29, 2023. The cause of the fire is still unknown and under an active investigation.

History
The fire began near Roosevelt, Washington at around 3:20 pm PT on July 21, 2023. From July 26 to July 28, it was the largest wildfire in the United States of the 2023 US wildfire season. On July 29, 2023 the York Fire surpassed the Newell Road Fire as the largest wildfire of that same wildfire season.

On July 29, the fire was 100% contained after it had burned 60551 acre.

Cause
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.

Impact
A total of 173 single residences, 11 multiple residents, 86 commercial properties and 54 structures were threatened by the fire. Many homes and structures were destroyed by the fire. The exact number destroyed is under assessment.

Closures and evacuations
Level 3 Evacuations were issued for areas near the fire, including parts of Old Highway 8 adjacent to the Columbia River along part of the Washington–Oregon state border. Roosevelt Grade Road, Middle Road, Old Highway 8 north to and including Dot Road were closed due to the fire. A 70-mile stretch of State Route 14 was closed between US Route 97 and State Route 221. The Red Cross opened a shelter for people affected by the fire at Goldendale Middle School in Goldendale, Washington. A shelter for animals was also set up at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds.

On July 24, 2023, the state government's request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a Fire Management Assistance Grant was approved. The grant is intended to help with various firefighting costs.