Washington wildfires now largest in state’s history
Washington wildfires now largest in state’s history
26 August 2015
published by www.usatoday.com
USA — The group of wildfires burning in central Washington is now the largest in state history, a fire official said Monday.
The so-called Okanogan Complex of five wildfires now covers 256,567 acres, KREM-TV reported. Rick Isaacson, a spokesman for crews battling the blazes statewide, said the complex measured just over 400 square miles, slightly more than the 2014 Carlton fires. The fires grew by more than 26 square miles on Sunday and were expected to spread even more in coming days.
Isaacson said the fires could burn for several more months.
About 1,250 firefighters were battling the fires, which were just 10% contained and threatened over 5,000 homes. The firefighters included about 700 Washington National Guardsmen.
Crews also arrived from New Zealand and Australia, as areas of central and eastern Washington battled 16 large wildfires covering more than 920 square miles.
