Wildfires threatening dozens of homes near Williams, Badger lakes

Several wildfires swept swiftly through trees and grass south of Cheney on Sunday evening, threatening dozens of homes after nearly record-breaking heat in the afternoon. 

The Washington Department of Natural Resources reported four fires burning between near Williams and Badger lakes, about 15 miles southwest of Cheney in Fire District 3. By late Sunday evening, state firefighting resources had been called in to fight the blazes, which began just after 5 p.m. and had burned 200 acres. 

The fires were threatening 50 to 70 homes in the area, according to a news release from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office. Level 2 evacuation notices were in place for residences in the area, which means those in the fire’s path should be ready to pick up and leave immediately. 

The cause of the fires is under investigation. Five strike teams have been authorized to fight the flames.