New Wildfire Burning Near Twisp

A new wildfire in north-central Washington is threatening homes and has closed part of Highway 20 between Twisp and Winthrop.

Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers told The Wenatchee World the fire in Washington's Methow Valley has forced the immediate evacuation of homes in the area.

Authorities say the fire started around 2:30 p.m. west of Highway 20 and about half a mile south of Twin Lakes Road. It is burning near the site of the large Carlton Complex fire.

Local fire districts were fighting the fire, along with fire crews from the Department of Natural Resources and the National Guard.

Fire officials say 20 mile per hour winds with thunderstorms were moving through the area Friday afternoon.