Firefighters continue battling the Garred Road Fire near Sun Lakes and Coulee City on June 23, 2026. The wildfire has grown to 3,346 acres, though evacuation levels were reduced to Level 1 Tuesday afternoon as crews made progress protecting structures and reopening highways. (Photo: Grant County Sheriff's Office)
COULEE CITY, Wash. — Grant County officials reduced evacuation levels around the Garred Road Fire Tuesday afternoon after firefighters made progress containing the fast-moving wildfire that has burned 3,346 acres between state highways 2 and 17 in Grant and Douglas counties.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office lowered all evacuation notices for the fire to Level 1 at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Residents and visitors are advised to remain alert and be prepared to leave if conditions change.
The Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team reported Tuesday morning the wildfire remains 0% contained, but the fire has not damaged any primary structures.
“The Level 3 evacuation level in the Sun Lake area is reduced to Level 1 as of 1:30 p.m. today,” officials said in an afternoon update.
Highways 2 and 17 are now open to traffic. The only remaining closure is Monument Coulee Road within Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
Fire Crossed Highways Monday
The Garred Road Fire started around 4 p.m. Sunday north of Highway 2 near Coulee City.
Firefighters worked through the night Monday to establish containment lines around the blaze. Strong winds pushed the fire south across Highway 2 and later across Highway 17 into the Dry Falls and Sun Lakes area, prompting Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations and the temporary closure of portions of the state park.
Heavy air tanker and helicopter operations helped slow the fire’s advance while ground crews worked to protect structures and infrastructure.
State Mobilization Remains in Effect
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized state fire mobilization Monday after local resources became overwhelmed by the rapidly expanding wildfire.
The Southeast Washington Incident Management Team assumed command of the incident at 6 a.m. Tuesday.
According to incident officials, crews assigned to the fire include five hand crews, two bulldozers, 30 fire engines and 268 personnel.
Crews have reported no injuries.
Officials said the fire damaged a few outbuildings, but crews have saved all homes and primary structures.
Dry Weather and Wind Remain Concerns
Fire managers said warm, dry conditions with temperatures in the mid-80s are expected to continue. Winds are forecast to increase Wednesday, potentially challenging containment efforts.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect within a seven-mile radius of the fire.
“Any unaccounted-for aircraft, including drones, puts aerial firefighting resources and lives at risk,” incident managers said.
Officials reminded drone operators that all firefighting aircraft must be grounded whenever unauthorized drones enter the fire area.
The cause of the Garred Road Fire remains under investigation.
Washington Wildfire Season Intensifies Across the State
The Garred Road Fire is one of several major wildfires that have triggered state mobilization orders across Washington during the past week as hot, dry conditions fuel fire activity.
On June 16, the Washington State Patrol authorized state firefighting resources for both the Tucannon Fire near Dayton and the Upriver Fire near Spokane Valley after local agencies requested assistance.
The Tucannon Fire in Columbia County quickly grew to approximately 6,000 acres, threatening homes, critical infrastructure and livestock grazing areas. State officials deployed five wildland strike teams, three hand crews and aerial firefighting resources to support local firefighters. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire was reported to be 100% contained.
In Spokane County, the Upriver Fire burned through grass, brush and timber east of Spokane Valley, prompting Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders and threatening hundreds of homes. The wildfire ultimately damaged or destroyed at least 18 structures, including 14 primary residences.
The fire also resulted in one fatality after a resident reportedly refused evacuation orders.
By Tuesday, firefighters had increased containment of the Upriver Fire to 75%, and all evacuation orders had been reduced to Level 1 status. Fire crews have transitioned from active suppression to mop-up operations, focusing on extinguishing hot spots and preventing flare-ups.
The recent fires have kept the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray activated at Level 2 while state fire officials coordinate resources across multiple incidents. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to warn that warm temperatures, dry fuels and increasing winds could elevate wildfire danger across much of Eastern Washington in the coming weeks.
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