Vantage, WA fire believed to have been accidentally caused by traveling vehicle
Vantage, WA wildfire prompts evacuations, closes I-90
A fast-moving wildfire prompted city-wide evacuations for the city of Vantage and caused a full closure of I-90 on Wednesday.
VANTAGE, Wash. - A fast-moving wildfire accidentally sparked by a vehicle burned 575 acres, destroyed two homes, and triggered emergency evacuations in Vantage on Wednesday afternoon.
What we know:
A wind-driven brush fire broke out along the Vantage Highway near Vantage around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to authorities. The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office issued immediate Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders, sending deputies door to door to warn residents to leave immediately. Officials also utilized the Wireless Emergency Alert system to broadcast warnings to cellphones in the area, while residents south of Interstate 90 were placed on a Level 2 "Get Ready" status.
The fire destroyed two homes near the north end of Vantage and heavily damaged equipment on a third property. Approximately 80 emergency personnel responded at the peak of the firefight, utilizing aircraft to scoop water from the nearby Columbia River. No injuries were reported among residents or first responders.
Evacuation levels were reduced around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, allowing residents to return home. Interstate 90 was temporarily closed in both directions due to severe smoke and fire danger but has since completely reopened. However, the Vantage Highway remains closed Thursday due to ongoing fire activity and downed power lines.
I-90 reopens after full closure
I-90 was closed in both directions for several hours due to fire activity and smoke causing low visibility. The freeway has since fully reopened.
What's next:
The county Fire Marshal is on the scene Thursday assessing the full extent of the fire and the property damage it caused.
Fire crews and investigators will remain in the area, and officials are urging the public to continue avoiding the Vantage Highway corridor until it can safely reopen.
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The Source: Information in this story came from the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office.