The 2012 Washington wildfires were a series of 1,342
wildfires that burned 259,526 acres (1,050 km2) over the course of 2012.[1] The fires primarily occurred in the
Okanogan and
Wenatchee National Forests during September and October 2012.[citation needed] A severe
lightning storm on September 8 caused hundreds of fires across the east side of
Cascade Range. Smoke caused hazardous air quality conditions in the cities of
Ellensburg and
Wenatchee,[2] and was noticeable in
Seattle. The cost of
fighting the largest four fires was estimated to be $67.5 million.[3]
Taylor Bridge Fire
The first major wildfire in Washington during the 2012 season started on August 13 east of
Cle Elum between
Interstate 90 and
U.S. Route 97 in
Kittitas County. The fire was fully contained on August 28 after burning 23,500 acres (36.7 sq mi; 95.1 km2) acres and destroying 61 homes. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is suspected to be construction work.[3]
Wenatchee Complex[5] – 56,291 acres (87.95 sq mi; 227.8 km2). The largest fires were south of
U.S. Route 2 near the city of
Wenatchee mainly in
Chelan County. Other fires in the complex were in the upper
Entiat and
Wenatchee River drainages.
Byrd Fire – 14,119 acres (22.06 sq mi; 57.14 km2)
Canyon Fire – 7,557 acres (11.81 sq mi; 30.58 km2). Located less than a mile west of the city of Wenatchee in Number 1 and Number 2 canyons.
Peavine Canyon Fire – 19,467 acres (30.42 sq mi; 78.78 km2). The Peavine Canyon Fire grew to become contiguous with the Table Mountain Fire to the south.
Table Mountain Fire[6] – 42,312 acres (66.11 sq mi; 171.2 km2). Located east of U.S. Route 97 near
Blewett Pass in Kittitas County, the Table Mountain Fire threatened homes and historic structures near
Liberty, Washington. The fire grew to become contiguous with the Peavine Canyon Fire to the north.
Yakima Complex[7] – 2,300 acres (3.6 sq mi; 9.3 km2). Approximately 75 small fires in Kittitas and
Yakima counties. The Wild Rose Fire was the largest and is located north of
U.S. Route 12 and east of
Rimrock Lake.
Goat Fire[9] – 7,378 acres (11.53 sq mi; 29.86 km2). Human-caused fire began on September 16, located south of
State Route 153 and west of
U.S. Route 97 in Okanogan County.