07/28/2026
Pearl Hill Fire Update
July 26, 2026
Incident Commander: Shane Robson
Public Information Officer: Anjel Tomayko
Fire Information Line: 509-215-8236, 8 am – 8 pm
Quick Facts
Size: ~6,000 acres
Location: ~10 miles southeast of Bridgeport, Washington
Start Date: July 25, 2026
Containment: 0%
Cause: Under investigation
Priority: Firefighter and public safety
Northeast Washington Incident Management Team 2 assumed management of the Pearl Hill Fire this evening. The fire is burning primarily in grass, brush and agricultural lands across steep, difficult terrain near the Columbia River.
The Pearl Hill Fire was reported at approximately 2 pm Saturday near Sand Hill Road. Driven by wind through critically dry fuels, the fire spread rapidly and developed a long, narrow footprint approximately 10 miles long and one mile wide. Initial responses occurred during a period of significant wildfire activity across Washington, when thousands of firefighters and numerous aviation resources were already committed to incidents throughout the state.
An aggressive interagency initial attack focused on public and firefighter safety, structure protection and slowing the fire’s spread. More than two dozen engines, tactical water tenders, contract dozers and other wildland firefighting resources responded. Aircraft were ordered within minutes with air attack, two super scoopers and multiple helicopters supporting crews on the ground. Aircraft remained engaged until smoke and reduced visibility limited safe flight operations. Together, these efforts helped slow the fire’s progression and protect values at risk. Firefighters worked to establish a solid anchor point with crews continuing through the night to strengthen containment lines. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
State mobilization was authorized Saturday evening, bringing additional firefighting resources from across Washington to support the response. Those resources were briefed and engaged on the fire Sunday morning and will continue working alongside local, state and federal personnel.
Today, firefighters continued establishing and improving containment lines, using roads and other existing features where appropriate, and assessing portions of the fire that are difficult to access from the ground. Aircraft supported suppression efforts as needed and when conditions allowed.
Vegetation across the area is exceptionally dry, with fuel conditions approximately one month ahead of what is normally expected at this point in the summer.
Weather conditions are expected to remain relatively favorable through Monday, providing firefighters an important opportunity to strengthen containment lines. Another wind event is expected on Tuesday and could increase fire activity and test existing lines.
Level 2 evacuations remain in place for areas near the fire. Residents should stay prepared for changing conditions, follow directions from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and respect all road closures. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the fire area so firefighters and emergency vehicles can work safely. To sign up for alerts or view current evacuation information, visit: https://www.douglascountywa.gov/231/Emergency-Management
Email: [email protected]
