Snag Fire burning along U.S. Highway 195 south of Spokane mostly contained, fire crews say

The Snag Fire burning south of Spokane along U.S. Highway 195 was mostly contained by Sunday evening, fire crews said.

Cameron Stewart, spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, said firefighters made “significant progress” Saturday when they were able to hold the fire at 11 acres. By Sunday evening, he said they hoped to have it 100 percent contained.

“There is still some smoke in the interior of the fire, but it’s no longer visible from the highway,” he said Sunday afternoon. “So that’s a good sign that mop-up is going well on that.”

A Level 2 evacuation warning for the area around the Ridge at Hangman remained in effect Sunday. The warning indicates a level of significant risk and advises residents to voluntarily leave the area for a safe place or be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

The fire began at about 10 a.m Saturday after a small grass fire spread to nearby timber and brush. The southbound lane of 195 closest to the fire was closed to traffic near milepost 88 but reopened Sunday.

Stewart said firefighters would continue to monitor the fire overnight.

“It hasn’t grown since yesterday,” he said. “They’re just in mop-up stage right now and getting all of the heat out of the interior.”