SPOKANE, Wash. – The Wellesley Fire and Yale Fire are now being referred to as the Spokane Complex Fire.
The Wellesley Fire began Sunday and was burning somewhere between 150-200 acres at last check. Crews said they have not had a chance to get the exact acreage, but will do that on Monday morning.
The fire is threatening multiple neighborhoods south of Bigelow Gulch and west of Thierman Road near Beacon Hill as of Sunday night. It's being called the Wellesley fire.
Level three evacuations are in place for Valley Springs, Thierman Road and Joseph Lane. Valley Springs to Lions Road is also being evacuated. Residents in that area must leave their homes immediately. Bigelow Gulch from Wellesley to Thierman is closed. Bigelow Gulch to Havana and Bigelow Gulch to Argonne is shut down.
Officials said two to five homes have been lost, as well as five to 10 outbuildings. The fire is threatening homes, power lines, crops and timber.
More than 220 hand crews and eight engines are on scene working to put out the fire. Officials said the fire has jumped Thierman and is growing.
The U.S. Forest Service said they are putting in an order for air help this morning once it gets lighter out. However, the fire near Spangle and the Hart Fire might take precedence.
The second part of the Spokane Complex Fire originated in Spangle and was burning around 2,500 acres, forcing level 3 evacuations.
Evacuations are in place for N. Palouse Hwy, S. Cornwall/Valley Chapel, W. Hangman Creek, E. and Hwy 27. Officials said multiple structures are burning. Crews said the fire was sparked by power lines that were taken down by a tree. Highway 27 has reopened.
More air crews have been called in to help fight the flames and protect the city of Valleyford.
State mobilization crews have arrived to assist with the fire. Fire districts 3, 8, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Natural Resources and the Red Cross are on scene working to put out the flames. Crews were working on the fire lines Sunday night.
Officials said the changing winds aren't helping but they do believe the humidity will go up overnight. This will keep the fires at bay.
A command center for the fire has been set up at Beacon Hill Events Center.
The Spokane County Fairgrounds have opened for emergency animal sheltering. Both large and small animals will be accepted.
- Dogs on leashes, cats in carriers or containers
- Horses on halters and lead rope
- Bring special food and/or medications with special instructions
- Please make sure you check-in when you arrive