Local News

Washington Flats Fire Burning Near Coulee Dam

By NCBI
Aug 22, 2011

Helicopter dipping water out of the Columbia River to douse the flames of the Washington Flats fire. Photo courtesy of Itzel Arciniega.

Fire fighters are battling a wildfire in the Coulee Dam area today. The Washington Flats fire is 400 acres in size and 40 percent contained this morning.

A Level 1 Evacuation notice was delivered to Douglas County residents in the west Coulee Dam by the county sheriff's office, due to the danger from the fire that started around 2pm Sunday.

The Washington Flats fire burning west of Coulee Dam. Photo courtesy of Itzel Arciniega.

State Mobilization as declared for the fire at 8:45pm Sunday, due to the high level of fire activity and the threat to structures. Officials say that extreme winds and the heavy fuel load in the area caused the fire to spread rapidly Sunday. They say the fire did settle down over night, but they are concerned about the forecast for winds and higher temperatures today.

The cause of the fire is unknown, and is under investigation.

The fire started about 2pm Sunday and rapidly spread to 400 acres. Photo courtesy of Itzel Arciniega.