Wildfires threaten homes in region; one closes I-90 in both directions

Two fast-moving wildfires burning in Eastern Washington are threatening homes, with one closing Interstate 90 near the Columbia River.

The brush fire along the busy highway near George closed traffic lanes in both directions for the second time in two days.

Gusting winds pushed what’s being called the I-90 fire to more than 900 acres by Monday evening and kept the highway closed late Monday night.

There is no timetable for reopening the interstate, as blowing dust and smoke led to poor visibility.

Thousands of travelers were rerouted to other roadways, including Highway 26, east of the Columbia River as officials also issued evacuation warnings for nearby homes, said Grant County sheriff’s Deputy Kyle Foreman.

Officials closed the interstate between milepost 138 just east of the Columbia River and milepost 154.

The fire had reignited after supression efforts Sunday fell short.

The homes threatened by fire were scattered across rural farmland. The nearest home was about a mile from the fire, Foreman said.

Officials initially said a semitractor-trailer had been destroyed; the Washington State Patrol later reported the fire burned a trailer full of hay, but the driver unhitched and drove away in time. No injuries were reported.

Foreman said he could not gauge firefighters’ progress but said the strong winds were making efforts difficult.

Nearly 200 people from Grant County, Spokane, Moses Lake, Wilson Creek and Electric City were at the scene, and state fire assistance was called in shortly after 5 p.m., Foreman said.

Fire investigators have yet to determine how the fire started.

Pilot survives helicopter crash

Another fire began burning Monday about 10 miles east of Walla Walla. A helicopter pilot involved in the firefighting effort escaped from a crash landing.

Heather Lee of Walla Walla County Emergency Management told the Union-Bulletin newspaper that the helicopter suffered a mechanical failure.

The fire is burning on about 2,500 acres near Blue Creek and Klicker Mountain. It has destroyed at least one home.

About 50 homes in the area were briefly evacuated Monday afternoon. The cause of the fire is under investigation.