As the Burdoin Fire continues to scorch thousands of acres in south-central Washington, Governor Bob Ferguson visited the fire zone Thursday to receive an update from incident commanders and thank firefighters for their tireless efforts.
As of Thursday morning, the wildfire has consumed approximately 11,248 acres and is 13% contained, according to fire officials. Crews have been conducting tactical firing operations with aerial support to reinforce control lines, though officials warned that full containment will still require significant time and effort.
During a press briefing, fire authorities confirmed that 44 homes have been lost to the blaze so far.
“This is a challenging fight, and we’re grateful for the dedication of the men and women working to protect lives and property,” Governor Ferguson said during his visit.
Meanwhile, incident management teams have also taken over response efforts at the nearby Snyder Canyon Fire, which has burned roughly 52 acres near Klickitat.
Officials described Thursday as a pivotal day in the battle, with weather conditions closely mirroring those present when the fire first ignited. Forecasts predict high temperatures combined with steady winds of 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 35 mph—factors that may test the stability of containment lines.
Evacuation orders remain in place. Level 3 “Go Now” and Level 2 “Get Set” alerts continue to apply to areas in and around Klickitat and Wahkiacus.
The Red Cross is operating two emergency shelters to support displaced residents:
- Grace Baptist Church – 1280 W. Jewett Blvd, White Salmon, WA
- The Dalles Middle School – 1100 E. 12th St, The Dalles, OR
Assistance is available at both locations to help affected individuals access recovery resources.
Fire officials urge residents to remain vigilant and monitor updates from local authorities as weather and fire conditions continue to evolve.
