Over 200 acres torched in the blaze
14 air support units helped ground crews battle the fire for hours on July 31`.
Two helicopters were also dropping water on the blaze.
CHENEY – Firefighters have been working to contain the West Hallett Fire that started in the 6000 block of Cheney Spokane Road at approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 31.
The most recent update shows over 200 acres have burned, and high wind gusts helped the fire to spread.
According to Incident Cmdr. Craig Dibble, as of Aug. 1 there are 200 ground personnel assigned to the fire.
The fire was still not contained as of 10 a.m. Aug. 1. It is still burning along the north side of the Burlington Northern railroad tracks.
Level two and three evacuation warnings are in place, and Cheney High School was made an official evacuation center. Bi-Mart Arena was been made available for livestock and large animal evacuations.
Incident Command is set up at Cheney Middle School.
At 4:30 p.m. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the
mobilization of state resources, and this was at the request of Fire Chief Brian
Schaeffer, City of Spokane Fire Department.
Over a dozen firefighting aircraft were assisting ground crews for hours.
Two helicopters were joined by several propeller planes and at least one tanker filled with retardant.
The aircraft were working systematically to prioritize saving the threatened structures in the area, and will continue to work in the same capacity.
Firefighting teams will remain on site for several days.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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