Wildfire near Vantage scorches 8,000 acres
A wildfire near Vantage is estimated to have burned at least 8,000 acres and is 10% contained as of Tuesday night, authorities said.
The fire is burning along Vantage Highway between mileposts 18 and 19 and is pushing north.
At one point Monday, the fire forced authorities to shut down part of Interstate 90, which has since reopened.
The wildfire was sparked by a brush fire and strong winds on Monday afternoon.
A Level 2 evacuation notice -- be ready to leave -- was issued for the town of Vantage as about 40 homes, windmill towers and other infrastructure were at risk.
At one point, a Level 3 evacuation notice -- leave now -- was issued for Lakeview Drive, Columbia Avenue and Brown Street, but that has since been downgraded to a Level 2.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray was activated to Level 2 to help assist with the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
