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Andrus fire cleanup near Cheney continues Thursday

A firefighter uses a hose on the fireline of the Andrus Road Fire on Monday, July 5, 2021 in Cheney, Wash. At last update, the fire burned between 250 to 300 acres, with 200 structures at risk and a Level 3 evacuation order in place. The cause of the fire has not yet been announced, though an enormous area firefighting presence assembled to battle the blaze. (Libby Kamrowski/ THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)
By Emma Epperly emmae@spokesman.com(509) 459-5122

Crews worked overnight Wednesday to continue cleaning up the Andrus fire with the goal of working 200 feet in from the perimeter of the fire line and 500 feet from all structures. 

The fire outside of Cheney started Monday morning near Andrus Road and spread quickly due to low humidity and extremely dry conditions, according to the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team. 

The fire is estimated at 232 acres with no structures lost. 

With cooler weather and low winds forecast Thursday, crews planned to continue mopping up and clearing dangerous trees from the perimeter of the fire to prevent future spread. As of Thursday morning the fire was 30% contained.

Evacuations orders have been reduced to level 1 for 24 residents adjacent to the fire, the incident management team said. Road blocks are still in place and Thomas Mallon Road is closes between Melville Road and Andrus Road along with Soda Road North of Andrus Road. 

There are currently about 280 people working on the fire, the incident management team said. The team said while they appreciate the generosity of the community, firefighting efforts do not currently need donations. The team directed the community to local food pantries or charities if they want to make donations.