US Forest Service takes command of 60 acre Red Bridge Fire as residents evacuate

KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. — The US Forest Service has taken command of the 60-acre Red Bridge Fire burning near Cle Elum. Level 3 evacuations have been issued for those nearby.

The Red Bridge Fire started on June 9, 2025, at approximately 3:57 p.m. As of 8 p.m., the fire is estimated at 60 acres and growing, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“Be conscious of fire right now because it’s horrible, and it’s only June,” said Chris Keller, a person who lives near the fire. “It was just normal, then within an hour it was a disaster.”

It is burning in timber, grasses, and structures and is threatening homes, powerlines, and infrastructure. The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.

KOMO News’ Chief Meteorologist Shannon O’donnell said that the fire danger is extra high this early in the season because it’s been so dry.

“We had a very dry winter and spring in the Northwest, and are running several inches behind normal in terms of rainfall as it is. Additionally, the snowpack only topped out at about 75% of normal this season, which means that the Cascade forests don’t have the usual moisture reserves deep into the soil,” said O’Donnell. “Now with our first heatwave of 2025, those dry conditions are playing a part in worsening the fire danger. Gusty northwestly winds to 30 mph or more were blowing down the Cascade canyons when the fire started near Cle Elum on Monday, and that rapidly pushed the Red Bridge Fire to dozens of acres, too.”

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 9, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. at the request of Deputy Fire Chief Ron Adams, Kittitas County Fire District 7.

Kittitas County Sheriff’s deputies have already evacuated all residences in the immediate area of Red Bridge. Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. All residences north and east to the Teanaway River are on level 3 evacuations. View the Kittitas County Live Active Fire Map here.

At least two structures were destroyed by the fire, according to deputies. The respective owners have been contacted and offered assistance.

Deputies are contacting other residences up the Teanaway with lower-level notifications, as of 5 p.m.

DNR aerial and ground fire resources are assisting local fire teams. The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 3, monitoring, to help coordinate state assistance for the Red Bridge Fire.

Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have also ordered three strike teams to aid in fire containment efforts. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office is en route to the fire scene, and some are working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.

Officials are asking those nearby to stay clear of the area for emergency traffic.