Jolly Mountain Fire threatening thousands of homes north of Cle Elum

Washington fire crews, including firefighters from Spokane, have been mobilized to aid the ongoing effort to contain the growing Jolly Mountain fire north of Cle Elum.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization just after midnight Saturday. Spokane Fire District 8 announced on Twitter that Spokane firefighters would leave at 8 a.m. Saturday to join the effort.

Fire officials estimate the size of the blaze at around 14,500 acres and say it threatens some 3,800 homes in the area, roughly 6 miles north of Cle Elum in Kittitas County. Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect, meaning residents in affected areas should leave immediately.

Ten strike teams have been ordered to the area by the Fire Protection Bureau, according to a news release from the State Fire Marshall’s office.

The fire, which is believed to have been caused by lightning, has been burning since Aug. 11.