SPOKANE, Wash. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal grant funds to help with costs for three fires burning in central and eastern Washington.
Those fires are the Hawk Fire in Yakima County, the Cougar Creek Fire in Chelan County and the Grass Valley Fire in Douglas and Grant Counties.
The Grass Valley Fire started as a small brush fire Saturday afternoon but was burning close to 75,000 acres by Sunday afternoon. Officials said the fire is 10 percent contained.
All areas under evacuations were downgraded to level 1 evacuations. This means “be aware of any changing conditions.” Officials warn this may change depending on the winds.
The fire destroyed five outbuildings and damaged one home as of Sunday afternoon. A firefighter was injured while trying to leave his work area. Brett Read, 38, is in satisfactory condition.
The Cougar Creek Fire in Chelan County started July 28 but spread on Saturday. The fire threatened homes, city power lines, the Chelan Public Works Station, and multiple roads.
The Hawk Fire started on Friday and has burned more than 1,500 acres of tribal lands. At the time of the FEMA request, that fire was threatening approximately 175 homes, officials said. Mandatory evacuations were issued for residents in the area.