ROOSEVELT, Wash., Aug. 5 (UPI) — A small town in remote Washington state was evacuated Tuesday night as a wildfire raced towards homes and outbuildings, officials said.
About 300 people from Roosevelt and the surrounding area, located on the banks of the Columbia River, were ordered out of their homes as fire spread. Emergency workers said several outbuildings and barns were damaged in the fire, but none were destroyed.
A reverse 911 call was sent out Tuesday night after the fire jumped State Route 14, a major thoroughfare through the area. The road was still closed Wednesday morning.
“For the safety of the traveling public, WSDOT maintenance crews are staffing the roadblocks around the clock. At this time, there is no estimate for reopening the roadway,” the Washington State Department of Transportation said.
