Railroad Fire Burns Homes and Triggers Urgent Evacuations North of Mattawa

The Railroad Fire, currently burning north of Mattawa in Grant County, continues to threaten local communities as evacuation levels remain in effect. As of the latest reports, the fire has scorched hundreds of acres and destroyed seven homes in the town of Beverly, along with several outbuildings.

Public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Kyle Foreman, confirmed that the fire broke out late Wednesday night, originating near an old railroad bridge over the Columbia River that is frequently used for recreation. Crews from across Grant and Kittitas counties have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze, which has forced large-scale evacuations.

An emergency shelter for those displaced by the fire has been established at Wahluke High School in Mattawa. Authorities have extended Level 3 evacuation orders, urging residents in the impacted zones to leave immediately as the conditions remain dangerous. The fire currently sits at 0% containment, posing an ongoing threat to landscape and infrastructure in the arid region.

Officials are currently investigating the precise cause of the ignition, noting that the combination of dry vegetation and challenging terrain has exacerbated firefighting efforts. Residents are advised to monitor official channels for updates regarding evacuation boundaries and shelter services as personnel continue to monitor the fire's progression through the weekend.