Public Safety

State Fire Mobilization for Benton County Fire

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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State fire resources have been mobilized to assist local firefighters containing the Wagon Wheel Fire in Benton County, according to a Washington State Patrol announcement. The fire started June 23 at 11:54 a.m. near Benton City and is burning 500 acres of brush, grass and trees. Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect for residents near the fire.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization on June 23 at 3 p.m. at the request of Benton County Fire District 2 Fire Chief Dennis Bates. The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2. One wildland strike team has been ordered to help contain the fire, which threatens homes and power infrastructure.

The fire cause is under investigation. The State Fire Protection Bureau is coordinating the dispatch of resources. The fire is growing and currently has no containment percentage reported.

📄 Source: Washington State Patrol — Puyallup Area — https://www.wsp.wa.gov/

Checked against the public record11 of 11 claims · 100%

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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State fire resources have been mobilized to assist local firefighters containing the Wagon Wheel Fire in Benton County.“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Wagon Wheel Fire located in Benton County, near Benton City.”
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The Wagon Wheel Fire started June 23 at 11:54 a.m.“The Wagon Wheel Fire started on June 23, 2026, at approximately 11:54 a.m.”
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The fire is burning 500 acres of brush, grass and trees.“It is burning in brush, grass, and trees and is threatening homes and power infrastructure. Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.”
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Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect for residents near the fire.“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization on June 23 at 3 p.m.“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2.”
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Benton County Fire District 2 Fire Chief Dennis Bates requested the mobilization.“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2.”
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The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2.“The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the Wagon Wheel Fire.”
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One wildland strike team has been ordered to help contain the fire.“Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one wildland strike team to aid in containment efforts.”
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The fire cause is under investigation.“The fire cause is currently under investigation.”
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The State Fire Protection Bureau is coordinating the dispatch of resources.“Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the mobilization.”
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The fire is growing and currently has no containment percentage reported.“This fire is estimated at 500 acres and growing.”