GOLD BAR — Rain and cooler weather brought some much needed help to crews fighting a wildfire east of Gold Bar.
The fire was about 10 percent contained as of 3:30 p.m. Saturday, said Joe Smillie, a spokesman for the state Department of Natural Resources.
“The rain has been a big help. It’s held it in place and letting us get in and do some good work,” Smillie said.
The fire grew to roughly 325 acres by midmorning Saturday, but it hasn’t grown since.
By 9 a.m., an evacuation order was downgraded for people living south of U.S. 2 between 437th Drive SE and 439th Drive SE. Meanwhile, residents of the Big Bend community were still being advised they should prepare to leave if conditions worsen. An evacuation shelter was set up at Sultan Middle School.
More than 100 firefighters are working the fire, concentrating on the northwest edge closest to homes.
The fire was first reported just ahead of 5 p.m. on Friday on a hillside along Forest Service Road 62, east of Gold Bar.
Firefighters overnight tackled four spot fires that kicked up about a quarter mile ahead of the blaze, said Heather Chadwick, public information officer with Fire District 7.
There have been no reports of homes lost or injuries to people.
In Oso, crews have a 130-acre wildfire 20 percent contained. Their work also is being helped by rain and cooler winds arriving from the west.
There are no evacuation orders in place, and no buildings are threatened.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
