Colwash Fire Explodes: Mass Evacuations Ordered for Yakima, Benton
Colwash Fire Emergency Update: What You Need to Know (August 22, 2026)
What Happened?
A wildfire named the Colwash Fire started on Saturday morning, August 22, 2026, around 8:40 AM near Toppenish, Washington. The fire began about 2 miles northeast of BIA Road 15 and BIA Road 196.
IMPORTANT: This fire grew VERY fast. It went from an estimated 25–30 acres in the morning to 8,000 acres by evening. That’s like 6,000 football fields burning in just a few hours.
Current Fire Status (As of 10:05 PM, August 22)
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Fire Name | Colwash Fire |
| Location | ~2 miles NE of BIA Rd 15 & 196, Toppenish, WA |
| Size | 8,000 acres |
| Containment | Unknown (?) – Firefighters are still working to control it |
| Cause | Under investigation |
Evacuation Orders: Know Your Level
Evacuations use a 3-level system. Think of it like a traffic light:
Level 3 – GO NOW! (Red Light = Danger Right Now)
Leave immediately. Do not wait. Life and property are in danger.
Yakima County:
- South of WA-22
- West of Glade Rd to the county line
- WA-22 from Glade Rd to county line (includes Byron Hill Rd)
Benton County:
- East of the Yakima/Benton county line
- South of WA-22
- South and west of WA-221
- North of Sellards Road
Level 2 – BE SET (Yellow Light = Get Ready to Go)
Pack your bags. Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Yakima County:
- North side of WA-22 in the Mabton area
Benton County (earlier order, now upgraded to Level 3 in some parts):
- East of the County Line
- South of WA-22
- South and west of WA-221
- North of Sellards Road
Level 1 – BE READY (Green Light = Stay Alert)
Stay informed. Prepare your go-bag. Fire could head your way.
Yakima County:
- East of Glade Rd
Road Closures
- Sellards Road is CLOSED from Bert James Road to the county line.
- WA-22 between Market St and Byron St – Police ask everyone to stay off this road so evacuees and first responders can move safely.
Evacuation Shelter
If you need a safe place to go:
Prosser High School
1500 Paterson Road, Prosser, WA 99350
Red Cross shelter opened at 9:15 PM
Timeline: How the Day Unfolded
- 1:15 PM – Fire reported. Initial size: 25–30 acres. Official update later said 700 acres.
- 4:00 PM – Yakima County issues first evacuations (Levels 1, 2, 3).
- 5:30 PM – Fire grows to 4,000 acres (per National Interagency Fire Center).
- 6:30 PM – Fire crosses into Benton County. Sellards Road closure requested.
- 7:40 PM – Level 2 (BE SET) for western Benton County (south of Prosser).
- 8:15 PM – Level 3 (GO NOW!) for new areas in Yakima County (WA-22 from Glade Rd to county line, including Byron Hill Rd).
- 9:00 PM – Level 3 (GO NOW!) for west-central Benton County (east of county line, south of WA-22, south/west of WA-221, north of Sellards Rd).
- 9:15 PM – Red Cross shelter opens at Prosser High School.
- 10:05 PM – Police ask public to avoid WA-22 between Market St and Byron St.
What Should You Do RIGHT NOW?
If you are in a Level 3 (GO NOW) zone:
- Leave immediately. Don’t grab things. Just go.
- Follow marked evacuation routes.
- Drive calmly. Head to Prosser High School or a safe location outside the fire zone.
- Do NOT return until officials say it’s safe.
If you are in a Level 2 (BE SET) zone:
- Pack your go-bag now (meds, IDs, pet supplies, phone charger, water, snacks).
- Load your car. Face it toward the exit.
- Keep phone on and charged. Monitor local alerts.
- Be ready to leave in minutes.
If you are in a Level 1 (BE READY) zone:
- Pack a go-bag.
- Move flammable items (propane, firewood) away from your house.
- Stay alert. Check updates every 15–30 minutes.
If you are NOT in an evacuation zone:
- Stay off the roads near the fire (especially WA-22 near Market/Byron).
- Do NOT drive to watch the fire. You block emergency vehicles.
- Check on neighbors who may need help evacuating.
Key Terms Explained Simply
| Term | What It Means (ELI5) |
|---|---|
| Acreage | How much land is burning. 1 acre ≈ 1 football field. |
| Containment | How much of the fire’s edge is controlled. 0% = not controlled at all. 100% = fully surrounded. |
| Level 1 / 2 / 3 | Official evacuation levels. 1 = Be Ready. 2 = Be Set. 3 = Go Now. |
| BIA Road | Bureau of Indian Affairs road – roads on tribal land. |
| Red Cross Shelter | Free, safe place to sleep, eat, and get help during disasters. |
Summary
- The Colwash Fire exploded from ~30 acres to 8,000 acres in one day (August 22, 2026).
- Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuations are active in parts of Yakima AND Benton Counties.
- Level 2 (BE SET) covers more areas nearby.
- Sellards Road and part of WA-22 are closed.
- Shelter: Prosser High School (1500 Paterson Rd).
- Stay informed. Conditions change fast. Listen to local authorities.
FAQ
1. How do I know if I’m in an evacuation zone?
Check the street names and boundaries listed above. You can also:
- Visit Yakima Valley Emergency Management or Benton County Emergency Services websites.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts (usually via county website or text alerts).
- Listen to local radio or official social media.
2. What should I put in a "go-bag"?
- Medications (7-day supply)
- Important documents (IDs, insurance, birth certificates)
- Phone + charger + power bank
- Water & non-perishable snacks
- Clothes for 3 days
- Pet food, leash, carrier
- Cash (small bills)
- Flashlight + batteries
- N95 masks (for smoke)
3. Can I stay and defend my home?
No. In a Level 3 (GO NOW) zone, staying puts your life and firefighters’ lives at risk. Fire moves faster than you think. Leave early.
4. When can I go home?
Only when officials announce it’s safe. They check for hot spots, downed power lines, and road damage. Do not go around roadblocks.
5. Where can I get the latest official updates?
- Yakima Valley Emergency Management (Facebook / website)
- Benton County Emergency Services
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- Local news: Apple Valley News Now, KIMA, KNDO/KNDU
This article is based on public updates from Apple Valley News Now and emergency management agencies as of 10:05 PM, August 22, 2026. Always follow REAL-TIME instructions from local authorities.