Highway 243 Fire slows Wednesday
Charles H. Featherstone/Columbia Basin Herald Now approximately 25 percent contained, the Highway 243 Fire has slowed down from its initial rapid growth.
Washington Department of Natural Resources/courtesy image Satellite imagery shows the path of the Highway 243 Fire as it has made its way east. First reported Monday night at 300 acres, estimates for the fire now range up to almost 19,000.
ROYAL CITY — Despite rapid growth in the first 24 hours, the Highway 243 Fire has not grown significantly in its second day, according to fire officials. The fire is now considered 25 percent contained.
Ground crews approximate that about 15,000 acres have been scorched, said Denise McInturff, a public information officer assigned to the Highway 243 Fire. The state Department of Natural Resources had estimated as early as Tuesday night that the number is larger, around 19,000 acres.
Almost 400 firefighters and four aerial support vehicles have attacked the blaze since it was first reported near Highway 243 and the town of Beverly around 9 p.m. Monday, McInturff said.
No residences have been reported as being destroyed, but fire has torn through an unknown number of outbuildings. The firefighting team has suffered two minor injuries, neither requiring hospitalization, according to McInturff.
Level 2 evacuation notices — get prepared to go at any moment — are still in effect for Beverly, Schwana and Wanapum Dam. Level 3 evacuation notices — get out immediately — are still in effect for Beverly Burke Road between SR-26 and SR-243 and the small community of Smyrna. An evacuation center which opened midday Tuesday at the Royal City Intermediate School has since reportedly closed, as only a few evacuees made use of the shelter and have since left. Emry Dinman can be reached via email at edinman@columbiabasinherald.com.