ZILLAH, Wash.- UPDATE 7:30 P.M.
Yakima Valley Emergency Management confirms that the former Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice has been reduced to a Level 1 “Get Ready” advisory.
Officials urge the community to stay alert and aware of dangers in the area, as a nearby fire emergency has emerged. Residents are advised to assemble emergency supplies in a safe location.
UPDATE Sunday 12:45 P.M.
Yakima Valley Emergency Management (YVEM) says the Beam Road fire, escalated to 10,000 acres, necessitating a Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation advisory in the area late Saturday evening.
YVEM reports that the evacuation is still in place due to weather and fire conditions.
UPDATE 5:52 P.M.
Yakima Valley Emergency Management has issued a Level 1″BE READY” evacuation notice for Zillah residents in and around the Rattlesnake Ridge area.
Officials ask the public to prepare emergency supplies and prepare for possible evacuation due to a nearby emergency.
The Evacuation Zone:
-Bean Road to Houghton Road heading north of over Rattlesnake Ridge Highway 24
-East on highway 24 to highway 24 and highway 241 (Silver Dollar)
-West on Houghton Road to Bean Road
UPDATE 5:13 P.M.
Pacific Power has been restored to most customers. Crews are working to restore power to remaining customers.
UPDATE 3:49 P.M.
Yakima County Fire District #5 has confirmed the Zillah fire north of Sunnyside has spread to 500 acres.
The fire is ongoing and being heavily affected by the wind which is reportedly pushing the fire to the east.
Officials ask that you avoid the area.
UPDATE 2:53 P.M.
Pacific Power reports that 6,600 customers are experiencing outages. Crew workers are continuing to repair damaged equipment.
The power company says power should return around 7:30 p.m. however times may vary.
UPDATE 2:22 p.m.
According to Justin Bishop of Central Washington Interagency Communication Center (CWICC), the fire has reached 300 acres as of 1 p.m. on Saturday. Federal and State resources are providing air and ground support.
At 2:20 p.m., Pacific Power is still working on the outage, with an estimated restoration time of 7:30 p.m.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE:
Pacific Power reports that 2,960 customers are without power as crews work on an emergency repair.
According to the Zillah Police Department, a large fire in the area is the likely cause of the outage.
Pacific Power estimates the power will be restored by 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
This is a developing story, which means information could change. We are working to report timely and accurate information as we get it.
