Big Fire Keeps Firefighters Busy Near Lake Chelan

LUCERNE, Wash. (AP) — A lightning-caused fire in Central Washington has burned more than 9 square miles near Lake Chelan.

Several hundred people have been evacuated from a Lutheran retreat center and the Holden Mine Remediation Center. Officials say Holden Village is not threatened by the fire, but the blaze threatens the only evacuation route.

The Wolverine Fire, which started Wednesday, is burning in timber about 3 miles northwest of Lucerne, Washington.

Fire officials say the fire, which has grown rapidly overnight over the weekend, has shut down parts of the Pacific Crest Trail and a number of campgrounds in the area.

Smoke and ash affected people on vacation near the popular lake and pilots have been told to avoid the area.

Meanwhile, a couple of small brush fires in Pierce County briefly caused evacuations in the area Saturday when structures were threatened. Those fires are now nearing containment.