Crews contain Fischer fire

DRYDEN, Wash. — Rain and cooler temperatures helped fire crews rein in the 16,400-acre Fischer fire Sunday, and evacuation orders were lifted for residents of more than 300 homes.

By midday Sunday, crews had the fire entirely surrounded by preliminary line — hand-dug fire line, roads and bulldozered stretches, Forest Service spokesman Allen Gibbs said.

The fire, burning northwest of Wenatchee, was considered 85 percent contained, he said.

Some 1,800 firefighters were working to firm up the 36-mile-long perimeter line after rainfall ranging from one-tenth to one-half inch, he said.

Daytime temperatures dropped into the 60s after weeks in the 90s, with cooling into the mid-50s expected overnight. More rain was expected over the next few days.

In addition, winds Saturday night were lighter than anticipated and fire lines held, Gibbs said.

On Saturday night, 304 homes in area canyons were under mandatory evacuation order and residents of an additional 167 homes had been advised to leave.

At noon Sunday, all the people who had been displaced were cleared to return to their homes, Gibbs said.