Washington wildfires close freeways, threaten homes

There were no reports of injuries or structural damage, although a load of hay on a semi-trailer caught fire on a road near the interstate after the driver fled to safety.

No injuries have been reported, even after a helicopter pilot who had been dumping water on the flames walked away from a crash-landing Monday.

Fire officials say a new wildfire east of Walla Walla has burned about 350 acres and destroyed one structure.

Interstate 90 opened on Tuesday morning as firefighters aided by softer winds managed to contain 40 percent of the blaze, Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Foreman said. The fire broke out Sunday night and reignited Monday afternoon.

Federal investigators will determine what caused a mechanical failure on board, she said.

The stiff breeze coming from the southwest is carrying smoke from the fire to the east, said Harvey Crowder, director of Walla Walla County Department of Community Health.

About 500 firefighters are tackling the blaze Tuesday, said Renae Crippen with the Blue Mountain Interagency Fire Center in La Grande, Oregon.

The brush fire is burning just west of State Route 9 and about 25 miles northeast of Seattle. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.

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