Blaze grows to largest burning in Eastern Washington
ELK - On Monday evening, the Oregon Road Fire grew into the largest blaze in the regional over the last week.
At least one person had died in the blaze, officials said.
Evacuation notices remain in effect across much of the area surrounding the communities of Elk and Chattaroy.
The fire was most active east and southeast of elk, burning in dry grass and timber.
An evacuation center was set up at Riverside High School, 4120 E. Deer Park Milan Road, Chattaroy. Another is open at Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Forth Wright Drive, Spokane.
Fire crews were hoping to get the upper hand on the 11,021-acre fire as rain moved into the area Tuesday morning, Aug. 23.
As weather allowed, fire crews were expected to continue structure protection efforts, mop up hot spots and construct more fire line on the eastern and southern flanks of the blaze.
Engines, hand crews and bull dozers were expected to be at it again in active fire areas on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
As of Tuesday, 633 firefighters were assigned to the blaze. In addition, 43 engines, 18 crews, eight bulldozers, 18 water tenders and six helicopters were working the fire.
The fire erupted at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18. Officials have yet to determine the cause.
Dry conditions, low humidity and gusty winds aided in the fire's quick growth.
Officials were asking residents to stay clear of of Diamond Lake to allow Fire Boss and other aircraft to dip water out of the lake unabated.
At press time, the fire was 0% (zero percent) contained.
Details on the fatality have yet to be released by investigators.
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