A wildfire was reported to have broken out late Wednesday afternoon, causing the closure of Highway 97 and several evacuations in several communities, between Mile Posts 13-61. No cause as to what started the fire is known at this time.
As of Wednesday, approximately forty firefighters were on scene, along with the aid of two Helitac units. Fire was said to be burning in forest and grass land on the Yakima Reservation. Approximately 1200 acres were burned.
Klickitat County called a State of an Emergency with a some evacuations in the area. The fire has closed Highway 97 indefinitely between Toppenish and Goldendale. Houses in between these two towns were also evacuated. No information has been received if residents will be allowed back in the area any time soon.
As of last night, additionally firefighters were staffed up to a total of eighty on scene. There are no reports of structure damage or buildings being destroyed. However, there are fifteen in danger, just South of the fire line.
A temporary shelter has been established by the American Red Cross at Our Father’s Fellowship House located at 207 S. Klickitat Street in Goldendale.
Information to be updated as it is received.
Sources: WSDOT, Twitter, DNR
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