VANTAGE, Wash. — All evacuation notices for the Vantage area have been lifted as of 10 a.m. Thursday, according to fire command. The clearance comes after the Ryegrass Coulee Fire destroyed two residences and damaged a third property Wednesday evening, burning approximately 575 acres across the Vantage area in Kittitas County.
The brush fire was first reported around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to Kittcom. The Sheriff’s Office issued Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notices to all Vantage residents. Deputies went door to door, with some residents having only minutes to leave before the fire reached their properties, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The fire forced significant transportation disruptions. The Washington State Department of Transportation shut down both directions of Interstate 90 due to smoke and fire danger. Vantage Highway was also closed near Kittitas because of active fire and downed power lines.
Officials requested a State Mobilization for additional resources. Approximately 80 personnel were involved in the firefighting operation at its height, according to fire command. Aircraft dropped water from the adjacent Columbia River to combat the flames.
The evacuation level was reduced around 9 p.m. Wednesday, allowing residents to return home. Interstate 90 eastbound reopened at that time, with westbound traffic resuming shortly after. Vantage Highway remained closed Thursday due to continuing fire activity and downed power lines.
The Ryegrass Coulee Fire was accidentally caused by a vehicle traveling on Vantage Highway, according to investigators. The driver identified himself and is cooperating with the investigation. There have been no reports of injuries to residents or first responders.
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