[Vision2020] Fires In Washington

[J Ford]

Several homes along Bulldog Road burned by wildfire

Aug 8, 2006 04:54 PM PDT via KHQ6

National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warning

Near VALLEY, Wash. - KHQ News crews toured Bulldog Road near Valley, 
Washington and witnessed several homes burned by wildfire.  The homes 
include permanent, vacation and mobile homes.  Washington State Patrol says 
State Route 231 southbound near Chewelah is closed and residents are being 
urged to evacuate.

KHQ Local News Reporter Tom Durian on the scene reports people at Bulldog 
and W. Jumpoff Roads are being told to leave the area.  Many of them are 
visibly upset.  A representative from the Department of Natural Resources 
confirms people living in the Bulldog Creek area west of Highway 395 and 
east of State Route 231 are being evacuated, as the fire is burning towards 
Highway 395 in a northwesterly direction.

The fires began when a house fire on the 3300 block of N. SR 231 got out of 
control and spread to nearby timber.  Firefighters are getting help a 
helicopter and two PBY air tankers - all of which are dropping water on the 
fire.  The flames are threatening to burn several structures.

DNR says the fire is spotting and torching in the trees.  Hot weather and 
high winds are making it extremely difficult for firefighters to get the 
upper hand on the fire.

As of 3:30 p.m., the three fires combined had burned a total of about 100 
acres, according to the Department of Natural Resources.  Flames had also 
destroyed the house and at least two other structures.

There is no word on how long SR 231 will be closed.  Bulldog Road and 
Highway 395 is also closed.

KHQ Local News is headed to the scene to gather more information.  For the 
latest details on this developing story, continue watching this web channel 
and KHQ Local News at 5.





J  :]

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