Firefighters Still Dousing Flames Near Cle Elum

CLE ELUM, Wash. -- Incident Commander Rex Reed is "cautiously optimistic" they could get upwards of 25% containment of the Taylor Bridge fire today. A containment line built around the southeast corner of the fire is still standing. Our news partner KIMA Action News reports The fire size was downgraded to 22,600 acres once crews got a better assessment from the sky.

As of 1pm Wednesday, people living in Wilson Creek, Alford Road, Look Road, Rustic Acres, and east of that area are being allowed to return to their homes. Evaluation of the wildfire is ongoing, but more areas could be reopened to residents after 5pm Wednesday.

The count on homes burned remains at 60-70 primary residences. Several hundred outbuildings have also burned. Crews hope to assess the damage today and begin informing homeowners of whether their house survived the fire or not.

More than 800 firefighters are attacking this blaze from on the ground and in the air. More crews are expected to arrive today.

Weather predictions say the winds could pick up later today after dying off this morning. They are concerned about the wind and high temperatures, and say afternoons tend to be the most active time for a fire. This wildfire still has the potential to spread rapidly. Lightning is also in the forecast for Saturday so there's hope significant progress will be made prior to that.

The hotspots being focused on today are Bettas Road and Sunlight Waters.

There are still no injuries reported. 420 animals are staying at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds.

Several million dollars has been spent so far in this suppression effort.