Fast moving brush fire forces evacuations near Bridgeport

A fast moving brush fire about 11 miles south of Bridgeport in Douglas County forced evacuations Friday afternoon.

As of Friday evening Level 3 evacuations were in place for residents on Road K Northwest between State Route 17 and Road 19 Northeast. About 12 homes and some crops are threatened, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The fire, called the Hayes Road Fire, is about 500 acres in size and growing. It was reported just before 3 p.m. Friday and is on both sides of State Route 17 near the town of Mansfield. The mobilization of state crews to battle the blaze was approved around 6 p.m. Friday.

The Red Cross opened a shelter for displaced residents at Bridgeport High School, 1220 Kryger St.

As the Hayes Road Fire was beginning, the Malden Fire was winding down. That fire is now 100 percent contained, according to WSP. The fire began Wednesday just north of Malden and initially spread quickly in wheat, grass and brush. The final size estimate is 246 acres.