UPDATE: September 4, 10:07 p.m.
The Rattlesnake Fire, burning 30 miles south of Inchelium and two miles west of Seven Bays, has expanded to a 6,052 acres in size, according to Northeast Washington Fire Information.
Fire crews spent the day building both indirect and direct containment lines, working in steep terrain through hot, dry and “unstable” weather conditions.
Level 3 evacuations are in place for 9-Mile Hellsgate Road to Reford Road Junction, as well as north from the junction to Little Nine Mile Creek Road. Additionally, the evacuation area includes Canteen Creek on the north side, while the south and east side extend to the Columbia River.
INCHELIUM, Wash. – A wildfire, which started on September 1, is rapidly growing south of Inchelium, prompting safety warnings and evacuation advisories.
The fire, covering 4,210 acres, is currently undetermined in cause, according to a release by the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team.
Crews, totaling 50 personnel, are actively working with air support and heavy equipment to build containment lines along the fire’s flanks.
Air quality in the area has reached the “unhealthy” category.
Residents are urged to stay out of the area to allow uninterrupted firefighting efforts. The use of drones is strictly prohibited due to ongoing air support operations.
Evacuations are in place for areas along lower Silver Creek Road to Roosevelt Lake.
Drivers are asked to avoid 3-Mile Road and 6-Mile Road.
