Multiple fires spark along I-90 near Cle Elum, reaches 70 acres

Multiple fires started along I-90 Monday afternoon, spreading towards Cle Elum and prompting a response from local firefighters and state fire assistance.

The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office told KIRO 7 that it believes the fires started from a trailer that was throwing sparks from the rim of a flat tire. The trailer was stopped, and the driver was uninjured. The flames then spread near Sun Country and Little Creek.

“Multiple fires started along I-90 near Cle Elum (milepost 77 to 84) on Monday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m.,” the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team confirmed.

I-90, between Easton and Ellensburg, was required to shut down for approximately two hours as fire crews dealt with nearby flames. The patch of highway reopened once the threat was extinguished and visibility had improved.

Despite the fire crews’ success along I-90, it was reported that the fire has grown to 70 acres and is 0% contained, according to the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team. One hundred fifty firefighting personnel are working to contain the fire.

According to officials, residents living on Hugh Banks Road and Timber Valley Road, off Nelson Siding Road near Exit 78, were provided with Level 1 “Get Ready” warnings.

“State mobilization was approved on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.,” the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team wrote on social media. “The Southeast Washington Incident Management team is partnered with DNR, Kittitas County Sheriff, Kittitas County Fire District 7, neighboring agencies, and BNSF on this fire.”

Additionally, there is a separate fire, called the Little Creek fire, that has reached five acres in size.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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