Wildfire Forces Evacuations in Washington State's Stevens County

A 2,161-acre fire, known as the Hope fire, is burning near the Columbia River in Washington State's Stevens County, forcing evacuations and threatening structures. The fire, which was first reported at 1:15 p.m., has prompted officials to issue Level 3 and Level 2 evacuation warnings, with some residents in the 3000 block of Northport Flat Creek Road being told to leave immediately. Crews from multiple agencies, including the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the American Red Cross, are battling the blaze, with a Type 3 incident management team taking control of the fire on Tuesday night.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hope fire is burning in a 2,161-acre area near the Columbia River in Stevens County, Washington, forcing evacuations and threatening structures.
• The fire was first reported at 1:15 p.m. and crews arrived 15 minutes later, with a significant number of air and ground resources battling the blaze.
• Level 3 and Level 2 evacuation warnings are in effect, with some residents in the 3000 block of Northport Flat Creek Road being told to leave immediately.
• The fire is growing rapidly, with flames reaching mile-long lengths and threatening nearby structures, including the Three Pines Bible Church and Camp Facility.
• Dennis Roberts, director and pastor at the Three Pines Bible Church and Camp Facility, said he saw a mile-long wall of 100-foot flames coming towards him, prompting him to leave the area.
• The American Red Cross has opened a wildfire evacuation center at Kettle Falls Middle School, and a Type 3 incident management team will take control of the fire on Tuesday night.
• The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Statistics:

• The Hope fire is burning in a 2,161-acre area.
• Crews arrived at the scene of the fire 15 minutes after it was first reported.
• A "significant" number of air and ground resources are battling the blaze.
• 100-foot flames have been reported near the Three Pines Bible Church and Camp Facility.
• The American Red Cross has opened a wildfire evacuation center at Kettle Falls Middle School.
• A Type 3 incident management team will take control of the fire on Tuesday night.
• The fire is growing rapidly, with flames reaching mile-long lengths.

Sources:

• The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) - "Wildfire forces evacuations near Columbia River"
• Facebook page of Stevens County Emergency Management
• Tribune Content Agency, LLC - distributed article.