Growing blaze causes evacuations in Central Washington

People in about 150 homes in Central Washington have been told to evacuate because of a growing wildfire in the region.

KOMO reported that the blaze near Cle Elum had grown to about 12 square miles Thursday. It was fueled by high winds.

Kittitas County escalated evacuations in the Middle Fork Teanaway area near Cle Elum to a level 3 “Go Now” evacuation. Officials said of the 154 homes evacuated, half were primary homes and the other half were cabins and vacation homes.

The fire started Aug. 11 after lightning strikes.

Portland

Cycle Oregon canceled because of wildfires

The 30th edition of the Cycle Oregon recreational bike ride has been canceled because of wildfires.

Cycle Oregon executive director Steve Schulz announced the news Thursday, citing fire danger and unhealthy, smoke-filled air. He said the event’s first-ever cancellation is a disappointment, but “sometimes the risks far outweigh the potential benefits.”

This year’s ride had been scheduled to start Sept. 9 in Central Oregon and end there a week later.