Fire in Washington state burns 3 homes, endangers others and covers city in smoke

Wash. state fire burns 3 homes, endangers others

YAKIMA, Wash. — As blustery winds eased early Monday, firefighters struggled to gain ground on a wildfire that destroyed at least three homes and threatened others in Central Washington.

The fire started Sunday afternoon about 10 miles west of downtown Yakima and grew to 10,000 acres by late Sunday evening.

Three homes and several outbuildings, such as small barns and sheds, were destroyed by the flames, said Richard Andring, acting as fire information officer for the West Valley Fire Department.

During the day, strong winds pushed the fire across sagebrush-covered hillsides, forcing the evacuation of numerous homes with firefighters going door-to-door to help residents leave. Officials did not release a figure on the number of evacuations, but most residents were allowed to return to their homes as the fire passed through their area.

Though winds had eased a steady breeze early Monday morning, dozens of homes were still threatened by the blaze, Andring said.

Flames burning up a hillside could be seen from some parts of Yakima, an agriculture hub of 71,000 in a region known for its tree fruit, wine grapes and hops.

More than 200 firefighters were battling the wildfire and about 100 more were expected in the morning, Andring said.

He said the blaze was burning toward a gravel pit and crews were building fire lines in an effort to direct it there so it will burn itself out.

Early Sunday afternoon, the fire burned one fire truck and three firefighters were taken to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. One of the firefighters also twisted an ankle. All three were treated and released, Andring said.

There were no reports of serious injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.