Milder conditions Wednesday helped crews gain some ground on a wildfire that has left dozens homeless in Washington state.
The Taylor Bridge Fire, burning on more than 22,600 acres near Cle Elum, is approximately 25 percent contained. A containment line built around the southeast corner of the fire is still standing, and some residents east of that area were being allowed to return to their homes. The count on homes burned remains at some 70 primary residences, while several hundred outbuildings have also been destroyed.
More than 900 firefighters are attacking the blaze from on the ground and in the air. Officials remain concerned about the wind and high temperatures, and say afternoons tend to be the most active time for a fire. Lightning is also in the forecast for Saturday so there’s hope significant progress will be made prior to that.
Several million dollars has been spent so far in the suppression effort, not including the damage to homes. (KEPR-TV)
