(Updated 12:35 p.m.)Firefighters Making Progress on Evans Canyon Fire
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The Evans Canyon Fire is now 70% contained at 75,817 acres with many firefighters being released to fight other fires in other parts of the state. State fire officials say last week there were more than 1,000 people helping to battle the large blaze but that number is now closer to 600. Five homes were destroyed last week but none were lost over the long Labor Day weekend.
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Despite Monday's wind storm firefighters were able to hold the Evans Canyon Fire at 75, 817 acres. Firefighters say they're slowly making progress against the blaze which is now 60% contained.
The fire, started August 31 is now burning grass, brush and timber in an area between Naches and Ellensburg.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. More than 750 people are fighting the blaze along with dozers and air support. That number is down from the more than 1,000 people on the fire late last week and over the weekend.
People living in more than 900 homes that were under evacuation orders were able to return home over the weekend after evacuation levels were lowered to Level 2 on Friday night.