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5,000-acre wildfire likely caused by motorcycle that tipped over, Grant County officials said

A motorcycle's hot muffler is likely the cause of a 5,000-acre wildfire near Mattawa in Grant County, officials said.

The Grant County Sheriff's Office said they believe the fire was accidentally caused by a motorcycle that tipped over and ignited grass while on a motorcycle trail. It is still under investigation.

Evacuation notices were reduced from level 3 to level 2 Monday morning in the wildfire near Mattawa in Grant County.

The fire started about 12:38 p.m. Sunday, and its size is estimated at 5,000 acres and is growing, officials said.

Fifteen homes and businesses were told to evacuate Sunday night. While the threat is now reduced, those people are still being told to be ready to leave.

There is also a level one evacuation notice in effect for the larger surrounding area.

Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones said containment is low and the wind has driven the wildfire east. Sagebrush and grass are mostly burning.

Four strike teams were called to help other agencies get the fire under control.

No structures have been damaged or lost just yet, officials said.

Officials said not only people, homes and businesses are at risk but livestock and electrical and communications infrastructure.

An emergency shelter is open at Wahluke High School.

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