MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Level 2, Level 1 evacuation orders issued near town in Thurston County

Aug 14, 2025, 12:40 PM | Updated: 12:46 pm

Thurston County brush fire...

Evacuation orders were downgraded to Level 2 and Level 1 for part of the town of Rainier in Thurston County. (Image courtesy of Thurston County Emergency Management)

(Image courtesy of Thurston County Emergency Management)

One shop was destroyed and two homes were threatened in Thurston County due to a large brush fire Wednesday, KING 5 reported.

However, evacuation orders for part of Rainier — specifically around 138th Avenue and Military Road Southeast — were downgraded to Level 2 “Get Set” and Level 1 “Be Ready” Wednesday night, Thurston County Emergency Management stated via Facebook.

Orders were previously set at Level 3 “Go Now.”

The south end of Rainier Road, between Military Road and 138th Avenue, was closed due to the fire, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Tenino High School was opened as a shelter location.

The fire was around 26 acres, as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Flames were moving east, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office stated.

Three helicopters and five hand crews were at the scene, according to KING 5.

This story was originally published on August 13, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then.

Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.

MyNorthwest News

USDOT Bellingham roads...

KIRO 7 News Staff

USDOT awards over $7 million to Bellingham, Swinomish, Island County to improve road conditions

The USDOT announced Friday they have secured over $7 million to help road conditions in Bellingham, the Swinomish Tribe, and Island County area.

29 minutes ago

Longview paper mill...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longview paper mill fined $77,800 after worker nearly engulfed in hot pulp

The Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview faces $77,800 in state fines after a worker waded through hot pulp to shut off a valve and fell into a sinkhole.

49 minutes ago

Thurston County police chase...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Wanted suspect in custody after police activity closes I-5 lanes near Lewis-Thurston County line

A wanted suspect is in custody after leading Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Thurston County deputies on a chase “back and forth” over the Thurston County and Lewis County line Sunday, Nov. 1.

2 hours ago

CID Wing Luke Museum house restoration...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Eng family home restored by museum offers glimpse into 1930s life in CID

A family in the Chinatown International District (CID) donated their home to the Wing Luke Museum, which carefully restored it and opened it for tours.

3 hours ago

I-5 Express Lanes remain northbound...

Chris Sullivan

I-5 express lanes reopen southbound after delays caused by signals issue

Even though Revive I-5 finished-up Sunday night and all lanes of northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge opened earlier than expected, the express lanes did not return to normal.

3 hours ago

Bear Creek Trail...

James Lynch

$50,000 reward offered as investigators seek footage in Bear Creek Trail stabbing

Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is asking the public for information about the stabbing of a 57-year-old woman on Redmond’s Bear Creek Trail.

3 hours ago

Level 2, Level 1 evacuation orders issued near town in Thurston County