Highway 243 Fire grows, destroys outbuildings

GRANT COUNTY — The Highway 243 Fire has grown to more than 5,000 acres and destroyed or damaged multiple outbuildings, officials said Tuesday.

There have been no reports of injuries or damaged homes, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

About 25 homes in the Smyrna Canyon along Lower Crab Creek Road five miles south of Royal City are under Level 3 Evacuations — get out now.

Shelter is available at the Royal City Intermediate School. The fire is burning in sage brush and grass. Winds were expected to reach 20 mph Tuesday night.

The Washington State Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire Tuesday. Firefighting aircraft are drawing water from north of the Wanapum Dam. Residents were asked to stay clear of the area.

The fire is threatening homes, crops and infrastructure. The cause of the fire is under investigation.