Wildfires

The fire came close to a home and an RV, but firefighters were able to douse the flames before anything else burned.

The cause remains under investigation.
Firefighters also doused flames of a hay truck fire on I-90 near Vantage. No injuries were reported in that fire as well.

A US Forest Service news release reveals that from the Canadian border to south of Yakima, firefighters in Central Washington are planning to burn thousands of acres this fall to increase forest health and protect nearby communities.

The largest fire in the state is the Williams Flats fire near Keller Washington is now at more than 44,000 acres with 45 percent containment.
Flash flooding in the area on Sunday washed out many roads in the area as firefighters continue to battle the flames started by a lightning strike last week.

The National Weather Service forecast for this week isn't calling for any big storms mainly just some clouds and sun.

Evacuation notices for the Pipeline Fire were lifted on Saturday. Both of the fires were started by lightning last week.

Because of the hot dry conditions the National Weather Service has issued a red flag fire warning for Yakima, the Kittitas Valley and Goldendale. That warning is in effect from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday.

To help in the firefight, crews are using a special Department of Natural Resources Blackhawk helicopter which is stationed at the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field.

Two homes in west valley were hit by lightning but firefighters were able to contain the fires before they caused major damage.

The forecast says storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Winds are also expected out of the northwest at 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.