Rapidly-Spreading Nakia Creek Fire Burns 2,000 Acres In Washington

CLARK COUNTY, WA – The Nakia Creek Fire, which started near Vancouver, Washington, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest, grew to about 2,000 acres as of Sunday evening, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency said in a report.

The fire is only about 5 percent contained, and progress is being stalled by strong winds and smoke as the fire rapidly spreads southwest, according to the report.

There is potential for fire growth, the agency added.

As of Sunday evening, 28,765 homes were under “Level 1 Be Ready” Notice, 5,017 homes were under “Level 2 Be Set” Notice, and 2,903 homes were under “Level 3 Go Now” Notice, according to the emergency services agency. Evacuation maps and road closures, which the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State said are up-to-date as of Monday morning, can be found here.

Volunteers are offering help and ask that anyone seeking assistance calls 360-992-9229.

Residents can find updates and additional information from Clark County.

As previously reported, just before the Nakia Creek Fire broke out, Washington had seen its fewest acres burned in a decade, according to state officials.

According to DNR data, roughly 140,000 acres had burned across the state by the end of last week, compared to 842,000 acres in 2020 and 484,000 acres in 2020 — the state’s second and third-worst fire seasons.

In a news briefing earlier this month, state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz credited an extended, rainy spring and new investments from Olympia in helping to achieve a moderate fire season up to that point.