WENATCHEE, Wash. - Authorities say a wildfire fueled by high temperatures and strong winds has destroyed at least 28 homes in Chelan County. Embers also caused a raging fire at cardboard recycling facility in Wenatchee.
A shelter in place was lifted for residents living within a half mile south of the Blue Bird facility after an ammonia leak dissipated.
The blaze ignited in brush just outside Wenatchee Sunday afternoon and still is burning out of control Monday morning. Residents of several hundred homes about 120 miles east of Seattle have been forced to flee.
FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with costs associated with firefighting efforts in Chelan County. Regional administrator Kenneth Murphty determined the destruction from the Sleep Hollow Fire constituted a major disaster and approved the state's request on Sunday night.
A light rain fell on the area early Monday morning, giving firefighters some help. But the rain stopped later in the morning.
There were no serious injuries reported but some firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
The fire started in brush on the edge of town but officials are still trying to determine what sparked it.
Mandatory Level 3 evacuations are in place for the following areas:
- All of Broadview Development
- Sunrise Circle
- Sleepy Hollow Heights Rd. west to Richared Rd on Sleepy Hollow Road, including Sleepy Hollow Heights Subdivision
- Hawley from the Avenue to Miller, Miller to Maple
- Walla Walla from Miller to just north of 9th
- River Park from Walla Walla
Level 2 evacuations, which means residents should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice, are in effect from Maiden Lane to Maple and from Western Avenue to Wenatchee Avenue.
A Red Cross shelter was opened at Eastmont High with about 200 people staying there.
The Manson Volunteer Fire Department reported that Chelan County Fair Grounds staff was making arrangements for residents in the affected area to bring livestock and other large animals to that location to shelter.
The area is under a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low humidity, and dry lighting. KING 5 Meteorologist Rich Marriott says the forecast for Eastern Washington calls for mid 90s to low 100s with morning thundershowers. Winds will be 10-20 mph with higher gusts.
The fire, adjacent and across the Wenatchee River from US Highway 2, may be congested with traffic. People are being asked to stay out of the area if possible.
The following road closures were in effect as of 6 a.m. Monday:
- Sleepy Hollow Rd. from west of the railroad tracks to Richared Rd.
- Broadview Maiden Lane Access Road at Western
- Hawley St. off North Wenatchee Avenue
- Miller Street East of Wenatchee Avenue
- Fifth Street West of Western Avenue
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