Tuesday’s Storm Didn’t Help Firefighters Battling Big Blazes

The National Weather Service says up to a half-inch of rain fell overnight on the eastern slopes of the North Cascades, where some of the worst wildfires this summer burned about 300 homes. Forecasters issued a flash flood watch for the area. Many other parts of eastern Washington did not receive significant rain and the risk of new wildfires from lightning strikes continues. Firefighters say the Snag Canyon Fire burning near Ellensburg is now 50% contained at 12,500 acres. 19 structures have been destroyed including 8 homes. The South Cle Elum Fire is at 15% containment buring across 894 acres. More than 1200 firefighters are battling the two fires hoping to take advantage of the cooler weather today.