Crews begin to contain brush fire burning along U.S. Highway 195 south of town

A wildfire burning south of Spokane along U.S. Highway 195 had been partially contained by Saturday afternoon.

A Level 2 evacuation warning for the area around the Ridge at Hangman was in effect for most of the afternoon.

Crews arrived on the scene at about 10 a.m. after a small grass fire spread to nearby timber and brush, Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said. The southbound lane of 195 was closed to traffic near milepost 88.

About 70 firefighters were working on the 10-acre fire, along with four aircraft. One volunteer firefighter was taken to a hospital due to smoke inhalation, but he was treated and is in good condition, Schaeffer said.

A second fire broke out several hundred yards away while crews were battling the first blaze.

A Level 2 evacuation notice indicates a level of significant risk, Schaeffer said. Residents should either voluntarily remove themselves to a safe place outside the area, or be ready to leave immediately should the threat level rise further.

Some homeowners voluntarily chose to move horses and other animals from the area, but no one was ordered to evacuate their homes, Schaeffer said.