Washington wildfire


A wildfire fueled by high temperatures and strong winds roared into a central Washington neighborhood, destroying properties and forcing residents of several hundred homes to flee, authorities said Monday.

The blaze ignited in brush just outside Wenatchee on Sunday afternoon, quickly burning out of control and also leading some businesses about 120 miles east of Seattle to evacuate customers, authorities said. Rainfall Monday provided some relief, but hot, dry conditions will challenge crews trying to get a handle on the flames that burned 24 structures, including homes, officials said.

Albert Rookard, who lives across the Wenatchee River from the blaze, said he stayed up late watching the fire, shocked at how fast it grew. (AP)

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