Colwash Fire Surges: Mass Evacuations Expanded Across Two Counties
Colwash Fire Emergency: What You Need to Know About Evacuations Near Mabton, Washington
Last Updated: August 22, 2026 at 9:20 p.m.
Location: Near Mabton, Washington (Yakima & Benton Counties)
Fire Name: Colwash Fire
What Happened?
A wildfire called the Colwash Fire started on Saturday afternoon, August 22, 2026, near the city of Mabton, Washington. Because the fire is spreading quickly, emergency officials have ordered people in nearby areas to leave their homes immediately or get ready to leave.
Think of it like when a teacher says, "Line up at the door!" — but for a whole neighborhood, and because of a dangerous fire.
Understanding Evacuation Levels (ELI5 Style)
IMPORTANT: These levels are like a traffic light system for safety.
| Level | Name | What It Means (In Simple Words) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | "BE SET" | Yellow Light — Danger might come your way. Pack a bag, gather pets, and stay alert. |
| Level 2 | "BE READY" | Orange Light — Danger is getting close. Be packed and ready to leave at any minute. |
| Level 3 | "GO NOW" | Red Light — Danger is HERE. Leave immediately. Do not wait. Do not pack. Just go. |
Timeline of Updates
Original Alert — 4:36 p.m.
First evacuation orders issued by Yakima Valley Emergency Management (YVEM):
- Level 3 (GO NOW): South of Highway 22 and south of Glade Road
- Level 2 (BE READY): North of Highway 22 in the Mabton area
- Level 1 (BE SET): Everything east of Glade Road in the Mabton area
Update #1 — 8:06 p.m.
Level 3 "GO NOW" zone EXPANDED to include:
- Highway 22 and Glade Road south to the Klickitat County line
- Glade Road east to the Benton County line
See the live map: Yakima County Evacuation Map
Update #2 — 9:20 p.m. (LATEST)
Benton County upgraded from Level 2 to Level 3 "GO NOW" for this area:
- East of the county line
- South of State Route 22
- South and west of State Route 221
- North of Sellards Road
This means: If you live in this zone, LEAVE RIGHT NOW.
Road Closures
- Lincoln Road is closed at Prosser city limits (at the request of Benton County Sheriff’s Office)
- Do not try to drive through — find another route
What Should You Do RIGHT NOW?
If You’re in a Level 3 (GO NOW) Zone:
- Leave immediately — don’t wait for a knock on the door
- Take your family, pets, and go-bag (if already packed)
- Follow official routes — don’t take shortcuts
- Do not return until officials say it’s safe
If You’re in a Level 2 (BE READY) Zone:
- Pack your car now — clothes, meds, important papers, pet supplies
- Park facing the road for a fast exit
- Stay tuned to local news or emergency alerts
- Be ready to leave in 5 minutes
If You’re in a Level 1 (BE SET) Zone:
- Make a plan — where will you go? Who will you call?
- Pack a go-bag (see checklist below)
- Check on neighbors — especially elderly or disabled folks
- Monitor updates every 15–30 minutes
Your "Go-Bag" Checklist (Pack One Per Person)
- [ ] 3 days of clothes + sturdy shoes
- [ ] Medications (7-day supply)
- [ ] Important documents (ID, insurance, birth certs) — in a waterproof bag
- [ ] Phone + charger + power bank
- [ ] Cash (small bills)
- [ ] Water & snacks
- [ ] Flashlight + batteries
- [ ] Pet food, leash, carrier, vet records
- [ ] N95 masks (for smoke)
- [ ] Comfort item for kids (stuffed animal, book)
How to Stay Informed
| Source | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Yakima Valley Emergency Management | Follow on Facebook/Twitter for real-time updates |
| Benton County Emergency Services | Check their website or social media |
| Local Radio/TV | Tune to KIMA, KAPP, or local news stations |
| Emergency Alerts | Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are ON in phone settings |
| Evacuation Map | Click here for live map |
Photo from the Scene
Image: Evacuation zone map for the Colwash Fire near Mabton
Credit: Courtesy of Yakima Valley Emergency Management
(Map shows expanded Level 3 zones in red, Level 2 in orange, Level 1 in yellow)
Summary
- The Colwash Fire started Saturday afternoon near Mabton, WA
- Evacuation orders have escalated quickly — from Level 1 to Level 3 "GO NOW" in some areas
- Benton County was upgraded to Level 3 at 9:20 p.m. — leave immediately if you’re in the zone
- Lincoln Road is closed at Prosser city limits
- Check the live map and follow official instructions
- Prepare a go-bag and stay informed — even if you’re not evacuating yet
Bottom line: If you’re told to GO NOW — go. Your life matters more than your stuff.
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
Q: What if I don’t have a car?
A: Call 911 or your local non-emergency line right now. Emergency services can arrange transport. Do not wait.
Q: Can I stay to protect my house?
A: No. Level 3 means immediate danger to life. Firefighters cannot rescue you if you stay. Leave so they can do their job.
Q: Where do I go?
A: Go to a designated evacuation shelter (announced on local news), a friend/family home outside the zone, or a hotel. Do not go to the fire station — they’re busy fighting the fire.
Q: How will I know when it’s safe to return?
A: Officials will announce “All Clear” via emergency alerts, local news, and social media. Do not return early — hot spots, downed power lines, and unstable structures are deadly.
Q: My pet is scared and hiding. What do I do?
A: Put them in a carrier or on a leash NOW. If you can’t find them, leave a note on the door for rescuers: “2 cats inside — please rescue.” Never delay leaving for a pet — but never leave them loose.
Stay safe. Listen to officials. Help your neighbors. We’re all in this together.