Updated: Brush fire causes backups on state Route 16 in Tacoma

Update: Tacoma Fire posted on social media just before 6 p.m. that the fire is out and that all lanes are open.

Initial post: A brush fire is burning on state Route 16 near the Sprague exit.

Chelsea Sheperd, spokesperson for the Tacoma Fire Department, told The News Tribune the fire is on the south side of SR 16 and spreading up toward Center Street. It is about 10,000 square feet and 80% contained as of 4 p.m. Crews are working on putting out hot spots.

According to a Twitter post from the Washington State Department of Transportation, the fire started at about 2:47 p.m. The right two lanes of eastbound SR 16 are blocked.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This story was originally published July 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM.

Isabela Lund

The News Tribune

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Isabela Lund is the Lead Breaking News Reporter at The News Tribune. She previously covered the greater Puyallup area as the East Pierce County Reporter. Before joining The News Tribune in February 2025, she served as the digital content manager at KDRV NewsWatch 12 in Medford, Oregon, and as a reporter for the Stanwood Camano News. She grew up in Kitsap County and graduated from Western Washington University in 2022 with a degree in journalism.