Big Fire In Wenas Valley Forces Evacuations

Seventy-five homes have been evacuated as a result of the 1,500-acre Conrad Fire that's now being managed by Washington state officials with help from local fire departments. The fire was reported early Sunday afternoon about 2.5 miles northeast of Naches. A number of homes were threatened and there are reports that at least two homes have burned. No injuries have been reported. The American Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter at Naches Middle School.

Firefighters have been battling flames and a wind that's been making it tough to contain. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources at 7 p.m. Sunday at the request of Deputy Chief Jim Lange, Selah Fire Department.
Level 3 evacuation orders are in effect at this time. The fire's cause is under investigation.
Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered five strike teams of wildland engines and two interface task forces. The fire is managed by the Southeast Washington Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2 to coordinate state assistance for the Conrad Fire.

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Firefighters are battling flames and wind in a large grass and brush fire in the Wenas Valley Sunday. The large wildfire was reported early Sunday Afternoon and firefighters from throughout the area including state resources are being used to fight the fire and keep it from spreading to nearby homes. Evacuations were underway Sunday afternoon because of the growing flames burning in the area of Conrad Road and Suzanna Lane about 2.5 miles from Naches.
Firefighters not only have to battle the flames but a wind that's helping to spread the fire. There's no estimate of the size but neighbors in the area say it's growing fast.