Jolly Mountain wildfire creeping closer to homes

CLE ELUM, Wash. – The Jolly Mountain wildfire that continues to burn northwest of Cle Elum is now coming ever closer to homes.

The fire has continued to grow in the three weeks since it was started by a lightning strike.

RELATED: Ash, poor air quality continues in Western Washington

Flames have burned 24,500 acres and the fire is still zero percent contained.

The fire is within several hundred feet of some homes, worrying many people who had to evacuate.

Firefighters say their concern is the wind shifting Wednesday afternoon, and while they have temporarily stopped the fire marching toward hundreds of homes, that could change.

There are more than 900 homes near Lake Cle Elum in the direct path of the fire, with dozens of families already evacuated, left wondering if they’ll have a home to return to.

About 700 crew members have been working 24-hour shifts to keep the fire away before another wind shift kicks up the flames.

In the meantime, crews are using everything at their disposal to ensure they’re ready if that happens.

“We’re using some of the roads and driveways and natural features when we can, trying to be as light on the land as we can. We don’t want to disrupt the land,” said Steven Bekkarus with the US Forest Service.

Two units of National Guard firefighting teams will be arriving at the command post Wednesday.

Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency Sunday followed by a visit Tuesday at the command post to thank those working the front lines.

Inslee also says he invites President Donald Trump to visit the fire line to see how climate change is playing a role.

The wildfire smoke and ash is so bad in the area that school for Cle Elum students is delayed until Monday.