| Newell Road Fire | |
| Date: | – |
| Location: | Near Roosevelt, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates: | 45.8306°N -120.4589°W |
| Pushpin Map: | USA Washington |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | The fire's location in southern Washington |
| Area: | 60551acres |
| Buildings: | Many homes and structures, exact number being assessed |
| Cause: | Under investigation |
The Newell Road Fire was a wildfire in Klickitat County, Washington, United States.[1] The fire began near Roosevelt at about 3:20 pm Pacific Time on July 21, 2023 and burned 60551acres. It was 100% contained on July 29, 2023. The cause of the fire is still unknown and under an active investigation.[2]
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.[3] 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 60551acres.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.
A total of 173 single residences, 11 multiple residents, 86 commercial properties and 54 structures were threatened by the fire.[4] Many homes and structures were destroyed by the fire. The exact number destroyed is under assessment.[5] [6]
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.[7] The Red Cross opened a shelter for people affected by the fire at Goldendale Middle School in Goldendale, Washington.[8] A shelter for animals was also set up at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds.[9]
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.[10]