Washington wildfires create smoky haze over Fairchild

Published July 18, 2014
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A cluster of four Washington wildfires have burned up to 100 homes and swelled to more than 260 square miles, according to officials.

The Carlton Complex fires were ignited by lightning July 14, and the four wildfires -- fueled by dry timber and grass -- ballooned overnight, said a spokesman for the Carlton Complex, Rick Waldrup. The worst of the four fires forced closure of highways 20 and 153 and cut power to the Methow Valley, a premier resort area. The entire town of Pateros -- along the Columbia River -- was evacuated late July 17, and the 700 residents were ordered not to return to their homes July 18. Evacuation warnings were also issued for parts of Brewster, northeast along the river.

Seventy miles to the south, another stretch of wildfires has chased people from nearly 900 homes near the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, according to The Associated Press. More than 45 square miles have burned in the Mills Canyon Complex -- three separate blazes, including the Chiwaukum Creek Fire, have prompted evacuations. More than 800 firefighters backed by large aerial water tankers were battling the flames. Smoke from that fire has been visible from Seattle.