Update: The vegetation fire that broke out in Spokane County, Washington, on Monday afternoon has grown to 64 acres as of 8 p.m. local time, according to incident command. Firefighters have made significant progress in containing the blaze, which is now 70% contained, according to Watch Duty. Officials have also renamed the fire from the Valley Springs Fire to the Little Baldy Fire.
The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at Trent Elementary School (3303 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley) for residents displaced by the fire. Pets are also being accepted at the shelter, according to the organization.
According to the Spokane County Evacuation Map, a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation order remains in effect for the area bounded by Clements Lane to the north, Valley Springs to the south, Theirman Road to the east and Custer Road to the west.
The evacuation alert states, "Level 3 Evacuation, Leave NOW! This may be your only notice. Spokane Fire District 9 has crews working a Wildland Fire. Residents living North to Clements Ln and South to Valley Springs. East to Theirman and West to Custer, must leave now due to the life-threatening conditions in your area! Monitor phone and media for more info or visit Spokane911.com for current evacuation maps."
As of Monday evening, no structural damage or injuries have been reported.
{{/usCountry}}As of Monday evening, no structural damage or injuries have been reported.
{{/usCountry}}See the evacuation map here.
Initial report: A vegetation fire has broken out in Spokane County, Washington, with the blaze spreading rapidly as firefighters work to contain the flames. The fire, dubbed the Valley Springs Fire, was first reported around 3 p.m. local time on Monday and grew to approximately 22 acres within an hour.
Evacuation orders have been issued for areas from north of Clements Ln to south of Valley Springs as crews continue battling the fire. Residents in the affected areas have been urged to stay alert and follow emergency instructions.
See the evacuation map here.