Wildfire in central Washington forces evacuations



ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- The tiny central Washington town of Vantage has been evacuated as crews battle a fast-moving wildfire.

The Ryegrass Coulee Fire broke out around 11 p.m. Monday and forced about 200 people to leave their homes.

The wildfire has burned about 1.5 square miles and one structure, and prompted the evacuation of Vantage. There is no containment.

I-90 reopened Tuesday afternoon. The main east-west highway across the state had been closed all day because of a wildfire near the tiny town of Vantage.



No structures have been lost in Vantage, which is along the Columbia.

Those camping inside the park have been told to stay where they are, because Huntzinger Road is not safe to drive on.  Those living within a mile south of I-90 are facing Level 3 evacuations. "Level 3" means residents are in specific danger and need to get out right away.

The Red Cross is opening a shelter at the George Community Hall to help anyone displaced by the fire.

Six fire strike teams from the Washington Department of Natural Resources have been called to the scene.

A helicopter from the Yakima Training Center was also dumping water on the fire.