Evacuation notices given after lightning sparks wildfire near Ellensburg, grows to 3,600 acres



KITTITAS COUNTY -- Lightning sparked another wildfire this weekend in Central Washington.

The Snag Canyon fire about 12 miles northeast of Ellensburg has grown to 3,600 acres, according to DNR.

Officials used aircraft to fight the fire from above late Saturday. It's unclear if any homes are threatened.

Residents could see the fire burning from their homes in north Ellensburg.

The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office issued level 3 evacuations to the areas between Wilson and Naneum Road, north of Charlton Road, the Sun East area and Robbins Road north of Smithson Road.  Level 3 means you should leave immediately.

The Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Mercer Creek Church in Ellensburg.

The fairgrounds are open as an emergency shelter for livestock and animals.