Vantage wildfire rages in Eastern WA, burning 5000 acres
Aug 2, 2022, 9:08 AM
Photo from KIRO 7
A wildfire in Eastern Washington is burning over 5,000 acres and is threatening approximately 40 homes and other pieces of key infrastructure.
The fire is burning along Vantage Highway between mile markers 18 and 19.
At one point, the fire forced authorities to shut down part of Interstate 90, but it has reopened.
Washington: The Vantage Highway Fire in Kittitas County is nearing 5,000 acres. The wind driven fire pushed hard yesterday and grew rapidly. A Washington type 3 team has taken over the fire.
Thanks to the individual who sent this footage in. 🙏🍻 #washington #wildfire #fire pic.twitter.com/MwwRazwOyU— TheHotshotWakeUp: Podcast (@HotshotWake) August 2, 2022
The State’s Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan has brought firefighters from across the state to control the blaze. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 1, 2022, at 3:15 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief William Rose, Kittitas County Fire District 4.
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A Level 2 evacuation notice — be ready to leave — was issued for the town of Vantage as about 40 homes. Wind turbine towers and other infrastructure were at risk.
At one point, a Level 3 evacuation notice — leave now — was issued for Lakeview Drive, Columbia Avenue, and Brown Street, but that has since been downgraded back to a Level 2.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
