Washington fire’s explosive growth burns dozens of homes

A fast-moving wildfire has burned dozens homes in central Washington and evacuated hundreds of people.

A Seattle Times blog reported that more than 450 people were evacuated overnight. KING5 News reported this morning that construction crews may have caused the initial brush fire that flared up yesterday; by midnight the fire had grown to 16,000 acres and by 2:00 a.m. it had reached nearly 27,000 acres.

The Taylor Bridge Fire is threatening more homes in the area, along with wind farm towers, powerlines, and a chimpanzee sanctuary. The fire’s burned to within six miles of Ellensburg. A state mobilization has been declared and command is transitioning to a Type 2 IMT today.

Rich Elliott, deputy chief for Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, told the Daily Record News that the fire never did lay down overnight. He said fire behavior is intense and flamelengths are running to 20 feet.

The Seattle Times reported that a crew barely outran flames yesterday, but managed to drive to safety ahead of the fire. KING5 News has a photo collection online.

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One thought on “Washington fire’s explosive growth burns dozens of homes”

  1. We here in NE Oregon are on pins and needles with
    these conditions, Walked my dog tonight and the
    usual mountain breeze was very warm and dry..

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