‘Get out now’ evacuations issued in Cusick with 3,500 acre wildfire growing

What started as an estimated 30-acre fire Wednesday night has grown over the last few days, and now evacuations of campgrounds are taking place nearby as the 3,500-acre wildfire in Boulder Mountain in Cusick, Wash. continues to grow.

The fire, started by lightning igniting dry brush and now making its way into the timberline, has grown from 3,000 acres as of Thursday evening, and early morning estimates it to be around 3,500 acres at the time of publishing.

KIRO Newsradio Headlines: Lightest wildfire season for WA in a decade

According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Level 3 evacuations are in place west of Highway 20 near Locke, advising vacationing campers and residents to evacuate the 16-square mile area west of Tacoma Road as soon as possible.

Tacoma Road has been closed to the public as crews battle the flames.

#BoulderMountainFire is burning 9 miles NW of Cusick, WA. It started 8/31 and has grown to 3,500 acres. The cause is lightning and is burning in timber. Evacuations in effect. Road, trail, and area closures. Type 2 team is ordered for this incident. https://t.co/omuyICPdk2

— Washington State DNR Wildfire (@waDNR_fire) September 2, 2022

According to the U.S. Forest Service, 15 fires were reported across northeast Washington following lightning strikes in the region. Many of them were contained quickly thanks to quick response times. However, two fires continue to burn and pose risk to the area.

KREM-TV reports no air support has been scheduled at this time, and DNR says additional resources are on their way.

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