1,996-acre fire near Ellensburg 90% contained, state says



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KITTITAS COUNTY -- Firefighting crews were able to establish a bulldozer line around a 1,996-acre brush fire about six miles south of Ellensburg, and authorities said they expect to have the fire 100 percent contained later Friday.

At 1:30 p.m., the state Department of Natural Resources said the fire was 90% contained.

The fire had been estimated Thursday at 4,000 acres, but state Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Debbie Robinson said they flew over the fire Friday morning and the believe the fire is only 1,996 acres.

The Department of Natural Resources said four helicopters were working to put out the fire along with several local fire engines and two dozers.

Three 10-person hand crews were also heading to the fire Thursday night.

Eastbound I-82 was shut down Thursday for several hours but reopened shortly after 9:00.

(Photo: KCPQ-TV)