Crews Responding to Swakane Canyon Brush Fire, Evacuation Orders in Place

UPDATE: May 23rd, 8:09 pm

According to the Washington State Patrol, SR 97A has reopened, but the fire is still burning in the area away from the roadway into the hills.

UPDATE: May 23rd, 7:57 pm

Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation notices have been issued for Swakane Canyon, Rainbow End Boulevard, Pot O Gold and Rams Lane.

Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation notices are in effect for Turtle Lane and Tilly Lane.

The National Weather Service is reporting winds between 35 and 50 miles per hour in the area. Footage from the NWS is showing the fire spreading north uphill.

May 23rd, 6:48 pm:

A wind-driven 3-alarm brush fire has resulted in Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations on Rainbows End Boulevard off of U.S. 97A. The fire began just before 5:00 pm Sunday.

Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation notices have also been issued for parts Swakane Canyon Road.

US 97A in the area has been shut down by the State Patrol. Please avoid the area.