Firefighters get control of Wenatchee Blaze

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. – Fire crews strengthened lines around a wildfire above Lake Wenatchee on Saturday, getting it 50 percent contained. A larger fire in southeastern Washington was threatening about 25 homes, and state officials were sending help.

State fire assistance was activated Saturday night for the School fire, about 20 miles east of Dayton in Columbia County. Local officials reported the blaze at about 6,000 acres, State Patrol spokesman Greg Pressel said.

The fire was threatening about 25 homes, and evacuation warnings had been issued for residents along three roads. The fire had crossed into Garfield County, the patrol said.

The Dirtyface fire near Lake Wenatchee grew slightly to 1,075 acres Saturday, said Patrick Lonergan, a spokesman for the Central Washington Area Incident Management Team.

Full containment was expected by Wednesday if favorable conditions continue. The fire is about 10 miles northeast of Stevens Pass and 18 miles northwest of Leavenworth.

Montana

Ten houses in a drainage south of Alberton were evacuated Saturday after a fire that started along Interstate 90 crossed over a ridge above the houses, officials said.

Fire engines were protecting the houses overnight and they were not expected to be damaged, said Sharon Sweeney, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service.

The Department of Transportation reopened Interstate 90 westbound on Saturday afternoon, however travelers were told to expect one-lane traffic between Alberton and Tarkio because fire crews are working in the area. Travelers along I-90 between Missoula and St. Regis should expect restricted speeds, smoke, firefighting equipment and possibly wildlife on the roadway, said a spokeswoman.