Wildfire prompts evacuations near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE, Wash. — A new wildfire in central Washington state has prompted the immediate evacuation of about two dozen homes.

Grant County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kyle Foreman says the wind-driven fire started Tuesday afternoon about seven miles north of Moses Lake, closing a portion of State Route 17 in the area.

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Authorities said the fire had moved more than two miles in heavy sage and grass but there was no estimate yet on how much land had burned.

A level 3 evacuation was issued for residents near the junction of Road 10 and H Road Northeast.

Sheriff's Office said the Grant County International Airport terminal will be open to fire evacuees.

Officials with the American Red Cross said they would open an emergency evacuation shelter at the Grant County Fairgrounds at 8 p.m.

Fire crews were monitoring high winds and making some headway Tuesday afternoon on a large blaze that started Saturday night in south-central Washington on the U.S. Army's Yakima Training Center.

The fire has scorched about 276 square miles and was up to 20 percent contained, from 10 percent Tuesday morning. No injuries have been reported, and no structures have been damaged.

It's the largest of several wildfires burning in Washington state.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Cox Media Group