Large wildfire threatening homes in north-central Washington

July 29th, 2009 - 8:15 pm ICT by admin  

CHELAN, Washington (BNO NEWS) — A large wildfire is burning in north-central Washington and is continuing to grow, officials told BNO News on Wednesday morning.

The fire, which started shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday, was sparked by lightning, according to Lt. Maria Agnew of the Chelan County Office of Emergency Management.

Shortly before 8 a.m. EDT, the fire had grown to between 600 and 700 acres. Agnew said between 120 and 140 homes are being threatened by the fire and officials have issued a level 3 evacuation advisory, indicating there is an “immediate danger.”

For about 60 homes a level 2 evacuation advisory was issued, indicating the wildfire is “fast-approaching.”

Washington state does not have mandatory evacuations. Agnew said, although people are urged to leave their home, they can choose to stay home. However, once someone leaves the area they will not be able to return due to road closures.

About 80 to 100 firefighters are currently fighting the fire and state assistance has been requested.

The level of containment is currently unknown and is being assessed. Agnew said some areas within the burning area have not burned but the fire continues to grow.

So far, no structures have been burned and there have been no injuries.

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