Goldendale fire doubles in size to 4,600 acres

GOLDENDALE, Wash. — A wildfire burning near Satus Pass doubled in size to about 4,600 acres or about 7 square miles, a Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman said Friday. Firefighters are still trying to build lines to contain the fire that broke out Monday, burning grass, brush and timber, said spokeswoman Janet Pearce in Olympia. One structure — not necessarily a home — has been lost, Pearce said. About 30 homes in the area are threatened with some people evacuating. Most of Highway 97 between Goldendale and Toppenish in south-central Washington including Satus Pass remained closed due to smoke and the danger of debris rolling off steep hillsides. Pearce described fire conditions Friday as extreme. The Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the danger in much of Eastern Washington, including Goldendale, Tri-Cities, Yakima, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Moses Lake. Firefighters had better luck with a fire that broke out Thursday in Okanogan County near Twisp. A quick response with seven engines and a helicopter had it contained Friday at just 5 acres, Pearce said.