50 homes evacuated for rapidly spreading wildfire
Jul 20, 2015, 3:25 PM | Updated: Jul 21, 2015, 10:46 am
A quickly-spreading near I-90 threatened homes Monday afternoon. (Washington State Patrol)
(Washington State Patrol)
Check current traffic conditions.
Update: Tuesday, June 21
The Washington State Patrol has reopened I-90 where wildfires previously posed a threat. Cars are allowed to travel across the freeway, but must be escorted by troopers, according to Washington State Trooper Darren Wright.
Troopers remain wary, however, and are keeping an eye out for windy conditions. The freeway could close again if winds pick up dust and debris left from the fires, which in turn, could create a dust storm.
After wildfires near Vantage last year, similar conditions created poor visability and were blamed for a massive pileup that included 15 cars and nine semi-trucks.
Second update: Fire conditions improved Monday evening with “lots of firefighters on the scene. There was “no risk” to residents at about 6 p.m.
Update: The fire is moving southeast to the base of Frenchman Hills.
Residents are being told they can return to their homes, but to stay alert.
Original story
A wildfire that quickly spread near I-90 forced the evacuation of more than 50 homes on Monday.
The fire grew to 700-800 acres, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Department.
I-90 between Grant and Vantage was shut down, according to Washington State Patrol. More than 100 emergency personnel were on scene.
The wildfire was ignited from a previous fire that crews battled on Sunday.
