George evacuated during fire
A fire near George shut down Interstate-90 in both directions on Monday and numerous Grant County residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution as crews battled the brush fire.
GEORGE - Fire crews worked the night of July 20 and the next day to combat a fire near George that caused numerous residents to evacuate their homes and closed Interstate 90 until Tuesday morning.
The fire burned between 700 and 900 acres and required more than 200 members of numerous fire agencies to suppress the flames, according to Grant County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kyle Foreman.
The firefighters included crews from Grant County Fire District No 8 in Mattawa. Also battling the blaze were crews from Grant County Fire Districts Nos. 10/11 at Royal City.
It is believed the fire was connected to the July 19 blaze that broke out along I-90 near the Silica Road exit. That fire caused the Level 3 evacuation of campers along the Old Vantage Highway.
The July 19 fire was being managed by local resources throughout the night and into Monday until high winds picked up Monday afternoon and blew it across I-90, Foreman said.
As a precaution, the GCSO issued a Level 3 evacuation on July 20 for residents who live near Silica Road, Road S Southwest, Road U Southwest, Road T.5 Southwest and Road 5.5. Southwest. About 50 homes were evacuated. The evacuation level was downgraded to a Level 1 later in the day.
With the fire's close proximity to I-90, the decision was also made to close the highway between George and Vantage in both directions Monday afternoon, with drivers being advised to take alternate routes. I-90 was re-opened in both directions Tuesday morning.
There were no reported injuries or structures harmed. The only vehicle that was reported to have been burned was a set of trailers carrying hay, with the driver disconnecting the tractor from the trailers and leaving safely, according to the GCSO
Washington State Patrol spokesman Darren Wright said high winds greatly contributed to the growth of the fire on Monday.
WSP Chief John Batiste mobilized state fire assistance under the Washington State Fire Services Resources Plan to support the firefighters on the ground.
In addition, mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau ordered four strike teams and two helicopters.
As of press time on Tuesday, fire crews remained at the scene and continuing to suppress the flames.
According to GCFD No. 8 Chief Dave Patterson, the fire was under control the night of July 20 and extinguished early Tuesday. Outside fire crews remained through July 23 to monitor for flareups.