SPOKANE, Wash. — Evacuations have been downgraded to Level 1 (Get Ready!) for a third-alarm brush fire near the Finch Arboretum in the West Hills neighborhood.
Residents living in the following areas should get ready to leave if conditions worsen, according to Spokane County Emergency Management:
- Deska Drive on the west
- A Street on the east
- I-90 on the south
- North end of the Indian Canyon Golf Course
The previous Level 2 evacuations have been lifted.
Crews confirmed to KREM 2 that the fire is spotting and is burning around the Finch Arboretum. The size is estimated to be between five and seven acres. Eric Keller with Washington State DNR says this is a fast-moving fire with structures threatened. According to the Spokane Fire Department, the fire is under control and will be staffed Thursday night into Friday for mop-up.
The fire is now under control. No injuries and no value loss to structures were reported, but firefighters are urging residents in the area to keep an eye on their phones as they continue to mop-up the fire.
The Garden Springs exit on westbound I-90 has reopened after being closed due to the fire, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Officials are hoping to reopen the exit by 5 p.m. Thursday. Only one lane is currently open on Sunset Highway. Those traveling through the area are asked to drive slowly and avoid any firetrucks on the road.
Crews are aiming to open up traffic on Sunset Highway to one lane. Drivers should be aware of smoke on the road and drive cautiously.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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