Firefighters Battle Blaze in North Wenas as Evacuation Notices Issued

Firefighters are busy battling the Black Canyon Fire in North Wenas reported at about 7:20 pm Monday night. As of the last update it was estimated at more than 4500 acres.

EVACUATION NOTICES HAVE BEEN ISSUED

According to the Department of Natural Resources level 3 evacuation notices have been issued for the North side of North Wenas Road from Wenas Lake to Boyde Road North side of Boyd Road east to Sheep Company Road. West side of Sheep Company Road, North to the Horse Trailer Parking area on Old Durr Road. West boundary: Wenas Lake north to the LT Murray Ridge Northern Boundary:  LT Murray Ridge.

STATE FIRE ASSISTANCE WAS REQUESTED SHORTLY AFTER IT STARTED

Shortly after the fire started Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 22 at 9:30 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Jim Lange, Yakima County Fire District 2.

THE STATE OPERATIONS CENTER IS UP AND RUNNING

A press release says the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray remains activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the North Wenas Fire. "Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one strike team to aid in containment efforts. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route to the scene and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources."

THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION

Firefighters say the fire is burning in old growth, sage, and cheatgrass and is threatening homes, the electrical grid, irrigation, and cultural areas. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Meanwhile all evacuation notices have been lifted for the for a 100 acres blaze near White Swan reported at about 5:30pm Monday.