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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lightning Starts Wildfires Near Near Chelan

Associated Press

An early morning lightning storm ignited about 20 wildfires in the Wenatchee National Forest Monday, raising concerns the fire season could heat up.

Although most of the fires ranged in size from a few feet across to an acre, three were between 25 and 200 acres Monday and growing, said forest spokeswoman Robin DeMario.

“The conditions are ripe for starting fires out there,” DeMario said. “The potential is definitely there.”No houses or buildings were threat ened and no injuries were reported, DeMario said.

About 250 firefighters were sent to fight the fires.

The three larger fires included:

The Halfway Springs fire, located about 24 miles up the Entiat River Road in the Entiat Ranger District. Helicopters dumped fire retardant on the 25-acre fire.

The Pot Peak fire, about 14 miles west of Chelan in the Chelan Ranger District. The fire was burning 100 acres of heavy timber.

The Prince Creek No. 2 fire in the Chelan/Sawtooth Wilderness area. It was burning about 200 acres on the north shore of Lake Chelan.