Firefighters Working To Contain Fire Near Ellensburg

Fire officials are assessing damage from the 2,000-acre Snag Canyon fire burning near Ellensburg. The blaze was started by lightning on Saturday night. Authorities say firefighters worked overnight and this morning to keep the blaze from spreading. There's no word on containment. It's burned about a dozen homes and is threatening 180 others 10 miles north of Ellensburg. A spokesman, Nick Croquist says the fire is just under 3 square miles burning grass, brush and some trees. Authorities don't know if the houses that burned were full or part time residences. Residents of the 180 threatened homes have been advised to prepare to evacuate or to leave. There have been no reports of injuries.
A shelter has been opened at the Mercer Creek Church in Ellensburg.