Associated Press
BEVERLY, Wash. — A wildfire burning in dry grass and sage lands near the Columbia River has grown to 28.1 square miles (72.7 square kilometers).
The fire in central Washington state was about 25% contained, officials said Wednesday.
The fire is near Wanapum Dam, and was sparked on Monday. The cause has not been determined.
Residents of the small community of Smyrna remained under mandatory evacuations on Wednesday. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office also told residents of the communities of Beverly, Schawana and Wanapum Village to be ready to move at a moment’s notice.
Officials say no homes have been consumed by the fire. But power outages hit some areas.
An emergency shelter has been set up in Royal City.
Officials say the fire threatens some homes, crops and other infrastructure.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.