Wildfire situation in Thurston County experiences a decrease in severity, prompting a reduction in evacuation orders.
In Thurston County, Washington, a wildfire has been causing concern for residents and officials. As of the latest updates, the status of specific wildfires in the area is as follows:
- The Shermer Fire, which started on August 21, 2025, has burned 2 acres and is now contained.
- The wildfire near Rainier Road, which occurred on August 13, 2025, led to a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation notice due to the threat of the fire. The evacuation levels were later downgraded to Level 2 (Get Set) and Level 1 (Be Ready), and the shelter at Tenino High School was closed after the evacuation levels were reduced.
- The Sorenson Fire had an evacuation request in place, but it has since been canceled, and the roadways are open.
However, there is an ongoing wildfire in the area, which started at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The fire spread to 26 acres, and it was moving east. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and officials are worried about potential damage to structures, including multiple residences. Southeast Thurston Fire Chief Mark King has stated that the fire is still a concern.
In response to the wildfire, a Level 3 evacuation order was issued at 4:20 p.m. in the area of Rainier Road Southeast between Military Road Southeast and 138th Avenue Southeast. Most of this area was downgraded to a Level 2 warning shortly before 9 p.m. Thurston County Emergency Management has opened a shelter at Tenino High School. Officials will continue to have fire crews on site overnight, and the public is advised to stay informed through local emergency management updates for any changes in fire conditions or evacuation orders.
Residents are also advised to avoid the area due to possible road congestion. It is important to note that no additional details about the burned garage were immediately available.
As always, the safety of the community is the top priority, and residents are encouraged to follow all evacuation orders and stay informed.
- Given the ongoing wildfire in Thurston County, Washington, the climate in Seattle, with its unpredictable weather, might lead to similar wildfire concerns in the future.
- As the wildfire in Thurston County escalates, Seattle's politicians may need to consider adjusting their climate and weather policies to better protect their residents from wildfires.
