Skyway Firefighters Battle Goldendale Wildland Fire

King County Fire District 20’s (Skyway Fire) brush truck arrived in Goldendale, Wash. this morning after a statewide mobilization was approved by the Washington State Patrol. District 20 firefighters joined the more than 280 other firefighters from around the state to fight the estimated 5,300-acre blaze dubbed the “Monastery Fire.”

The crew is expected to be deployed up to two weeks and will be on the front lines of the fire that started Wednesday afternoon. The Monastery Fire is located 7 miles northeast of Goldendale, mostly south of State Highway 97 near Brooks Memorial State Park. The fire remains south and east of Highway 97. The fire grew significantly Thursday during the day, but little overnight.

An estimated nine homes and 13 outbuildings have been lost as of this morning’s update. Some of the displaced residents are at the Red Cross evacuation center located at the Klickitat Co. Fairgrounds. Horses and pets of displaced residents are also being given shelter.

*Editor's Note: Information provided by Fire District 20.