Washington State Wildfire: Mills Canyon Fire is 25 Percent Contained
Hundreds of firefighters in Washington state continue to battle a raging wildfire that has consumed more than 18,000 acres.
Officials say that since the Mills Canyon Fire started near the eastern town of Entiat on Tuesday, it has damaged property, forced residential evacuations and shut down roads.
"Challenges for fire personnel include steep rocky terrain, flashy fuels, and warm weather conditions," reads a statement released by Inciweb, a fire information website, according to Reuters.
By Thursday afternoon, the massive blaze had damaged three outbuildings, while 15 buildings were evacuated and over 200 homes put on alert.
And temperatures topping off in the 90s didn't help the nearly 450 firefighters fighting the flames Thursday.
"Conditions should remain warm and dry through at least the early part of next week," National Weather Service meteorologist Jaret Rogers said.
By Friday morning, the fire was 19 percent contained, The Seattle Times reported. However, residents of 14 homes remained under a mandatory evacuation and those in 122 other homes were still advised to be prepared for a quick evacuation. Some evacuated residents were allowed to return their homes.
Fortunately, there was less wind Friday as 646 federal, state and local firefighters continued to battle the blaze, helped by "eight helicopters dropping water." The temperature remained high.
On Thursday evening, the 30-mile stretch of Highway 97A closed that day due to heavy smoke and debris was reopened.
In addition to the massive blaze, firefighters also had to worry about another fire in the state: the Lake Spokane Fire, about 23 miles northwest of Spokane. By Thursday afternoon it was 80 percent contained by The Associated Press.
On Saturday, the fire was 25 percent contained, according to King 5.
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