WHITE SWAN, Wash. – According to Fire Information Officer Tim McKern, level 1 (BE READY) evacuations are in place for the Slide Ranch Fire in White Swan.
An earlier push notification from NonStop Local stated that evacuations have been entirely dropped, however the level 1 evacuations are still in place.
A press release from the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team says the fire, which started at around 3:46 p.m. on Sat., June 22, is 3,054 acres in size and 20 percent contained.
A total of 16 homes have been lost in the fire and no deaths have been confirmed. Firefighters reportedly are facing issues with steep terrain and canyons.
McKern says mop up has started and that a perimeter has been set up around the fire. Crews from the Yakama Nation and Yakima Valley Fire District 5 will remain at the fire for the next several day.
The State of Washington has also requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA, which was approved. The grant covers staffing, equipment, meals, safety items and more.
A Yakama Nation meeting on Monday will determine if the management team will be necessary going forward.
McKern notes that smoke will continue to show up from the center of the fire for a few days.
This is a developing story, which means information could change. We are working to report timely and accurate information as we get it.
