BEVERLY, Wash. (AP) — A wildfire burning in dry grass and sage lands near the Columbia River has now grown to over 28 square miles.
The fire in central Washington was about 25% contained, officials said Wednesday.
The fire is near Wanapum Dam, and was sparked on Monday. The cause has not been determined.
Residents of the small community of Smyrna remained under mandatory evacuations on Wednesday. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office also told residents of the communities of Beverly, Schawana and Wanapum Village to be ready to move at a moment’s notice.
Officials say no homes have been consumed by the fire. But power outages hit some areas.
An emergency shelter has been set up in Royal City.
Officials say the fire threatens homes, crops and other infrastructure.