FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash. – A large wildfire has burned an estimated 7,000 acres about 1.5 hours away from Spokane.
Franklin County Fire District 3 says the fire is burning between Mesa and Connell along Highway 395. They say it is 30% contained at last check.
The fire department said no evacuations have been announced and no homes are damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Multiple agencies are on scene on Tuesday.
Spokane and North Idaho residents saw smoky skies after the fire began burning on Monday evening. The National Weather Service said gusty winds blew smoke from the fire into the region.
Air quality in Spokane has fluctuated between good and moderate in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
KREM morning weather anchor Evan Noorani says there is a good chance for more smoke in the Spokane area on Tuesday, especially if the fire grows.
The fire closed Highway 395 near Highway 17 on Monday night but the road has since reopened.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.