Good morning, Netizens...

 

According to the Department of Natural Resource, approximately 10% of the 30,000 acre Taylor Bridge fire burning between Cle Elum and Ellensburg this morning has been contained. However, with today's weather forecast of scorching-hot temperatures and 30 mile per hour winds, nobody is speculating how long it will be before full containment of this massive fire will be achieved.

 

Fire commanders estimated the fire has burned across at least 30,000 acres, or almost 44 square miles, although that number may have risen overnight, as the fire has continued growing in size and scope.

 

Gov. Chris Gregoire declared a state of emergency for Kittitas and Yakima counties in response to the blaze late yesterday. Air support from The Washington National Guard has been mobilized. The State Government is throwing every resource they have at this fire; little wonder, given how volatile weather conditions have been since the fire began Monday.

 

If this news were not somber enough, this morning there are reports of an estimated one thousand acre wildfire burning on the Colville Indian reservation near Elmer City, and some homes are being evacuated at this time.

 

It is still several hours before fire commanders in charge of the Taylor Bridge fire will have any additional information or update the fire statistics.

 

Given the weather reports of more heat and wind with no end in sight, with the possibility of lightning storms past the weekend, it may be awhile before these fires will be contained.

 

Dave

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