Overnight winds fan Gold Bar wildfire across 325 acres; Level 2 evacuations in some areas

GOLD BAR, Wash. -- High winds caused the Proctor Creek Fire, burning east of Gold Bar, to quadruple in size overnight, according to fire officials.

Snohomish County Fire District 7 determined the fire had burned at least 325 acres by Saturday morning, after aerial views provided more accurate mapping details.

The fire's estimated size was 75 acres on Friday night.

Firefighters in Snohomish County said the winds finally died down around 4 a.m. Saturday and the weather looks more favorable for crews today.

As of 9 a.m. Saturday, the fire was smoldering in most areas and no longer advancing.

Thanks to the change in conditions, a level 3 evacuation notice was downgraded to level 2 for residents living on the south side of Highway 2, between 427th Drive Southeast and 439th Drive Southeast.

A level 1 evacuation notice remains in place for residents in the Big Bend community.

Firefighters contained four spot fires overnight, which had jumped about a quarter mile ahead of the main burn area.

Fortunately, flames have kept away from homes in the region. No structures have been lost and no injuries reported.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, a second wildfire burning in Western Washington, near Oso, remains at 130 acres as fire crews enter their third day of fighting the flames.