Firefighters on the scene of a destructive wildfire in central Washington are hoping to make major progress Wednesday toward containment of the blaze. The Kittitas County sheriff's office estimates more than 70 homes and cabins have been destroyed. The fire has chased hundreds of people from their homes. Amidst the ashes, correspondent Tom Banse found one unusual story of survival.
Dry winds and lots of fuel are making the Taylor Bridge Fire one of the most dangerous the state of Washington has seen in the last several years, said the Commissioner of Public Lands in a press briefing earlier this evening.
Washington’s lieutenant governor has declared a state of emergency in central Washington because of a still-growing wildfire. The emergency declaration allows the National Guard to lend helicopters to the firefighting effort. The blaze has chased hundreds of people from their homes between Cle Elum and Ellensburg.
Oregon is moving ahead with a proposed phase-out of commercial gillnetting along the Columbia River. A state fish and wildlife panel Tuesday gave the initial go-ahead to the proposal made by Gov. John Kitzhaber. The action comes as the governor tries to head off a more restrictive ballot measure.
As the Taylor Bridge Fire continues to be battled from the air, people are looking for a safe place to put their cows, horses, llamas and other livestock. The fairgrounds in Ellensburg are holding at least 150 large animals.
