Wildland fire burning nearly 40 square miles near Wenatchee

Associated Press

SPOKANE — Three wildfires burning in grasslands south of Wenatchee have grown to approximately 36.7 square miles, but have not destroyed any structures.

Firefighters on Wednesday were trying to prevent the fires from growing to protect property and sage grouse habitat.

A lightning-caused fire burning nine miles southeast of Wenatchee grew to 11.7 square miles overnight and was 30 percent contained by 160 firefighters. The fire threatened about 80 structures.

Another fire, burning 15 miles south of East Wenatchee, grew to 15.6 square miles and was 10 percent contained by 150 firefighters. About 30 structures were threatened.

A third fire, 20 miles south of East Wenatchee, burned 9.3 square miles and was 20 percent contained by 50 firefighters.