SPOKANE — A wildfire burning on the northern outskirts of Spokane is not growing, but firefighters were wary that hot weather and winds could spread the flames on Wednesday.
The fire has burned 150 acres and temporarily forced the evacuation of some homes Tuesday. People have since been allowed back in their homes, but have been told to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Crews spent Tuesday building a trail around the fire, but officials say none of it was contained as of Wednesday morning.
The fire is burning near Indian Trail Road and Rutter Parkway on the northwest side of Spokane. It is in the same area as the Little Spokane Fire that broke out in early July.
Officials for the state Department of Natural Resource said the fire was threatening 20 to 30 homes.
Meanwhile, a huge wildfire along the west shore of Lake Chelan grew a bit Wednesday to 56.2 square miles.
Fire officials worried about temperatures approaching 100 degrees with gusty winds on Wednesday. They expect increased fire activity, according to a press release.
Sparked by lightning on June 29, the Wolverine Fire was only 20 percent contained and continued to threaten the communities of Holden Village and Stehekin.
The fire was within a mile of Holden Village, where crews have set up a fuel break and sprinkler system to protect the community. The area has been evacuated since July 31.
So far, the fire has destroyed one home and three outbuildings near Domke Lake. There are 540 people battling the flames.
About 15 miles west, a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail remained closed because of a 170-acre wildfire. Firefighters were brought in to fight the remote fire in an effort to reopen the trail, which has been closed for almost three weeks.
Officials have estimated that some 800 hikers are headed north toward the fire on the long-distance trail and would have to be detoured.
