Tucannon fire grows to 9,500 acres overnight in Columbia County; state resources mobilized

A fire burning near the intersection of U.S. 12 and Tucannon Road in Columbia County is threatening structures and has grown to 9,500 acres since being reported Tuesday, June 16, officials said Wednesday morning.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized state fire resources late Tuesday evening to combat the fire, which is burning in grass and brush and is threatening primary residences, critical infrastructure and feeding grounds for livestock.

Five wildland strike teams, three hand crews and air resources form the State Emergency Operations Center are being sent to aid in containment efforts, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office.

According to the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team, no closures or evacuations are in effect as of Wednesday morning.

SE Washington IMT-3, Team 2, has assumed command of the fire after firefighters from Columbia and Garfield counties initially responded with assistance from mutual aid departments and air resources. Forward progression was stopped, officials reported, following rapid growth under windy conditions.

Officials urge people to avoid the fire area so crews can work safely.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s with 10 to 20 mph winds.

Resources on site include five strike teams, one dozer, 20 engines, five water tenders and approximately 180 personnel.

Twin Sisters fire

On Tuesday evening, officials lifted all evacuation orders for the Twin Sisters fire, which has been burning south of Wallula Junction since the weekend. Fire resources are in the area patrolling and looking for hotspots, according to the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team.

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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 10:08 PM.