Fire near Yakima grows to 52,000 acres, threatens 900 homes

Associated Press

YAKIMA – A wildfire burning near Yakima has grown to an estimated 52,000 acres and residents of about 900 homes are under evacuation orders.

The Evans Canyon Fire, north of the town of Naches, has destroyed five homes.

Fire information officer Roland Emetaz said Thursday the fire is not contained.

The fire started Monday afternoon in the Wenas Valley and grew quickly in high winds. The 900 homes under evacuation orders are north of Naches and Selah.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reported that State Route 821 through the Yakima River Canyon is closed. People are advised to use Interstate 82.

More than 440 firefighters are facing temperatures in the mid-90s, but winds are not as strong as they were earlier in the week when the fire grew rapidly in size.

Emetaz said the cause is under investigation.