GOLDENDALE, Wash. — Nearly 650 firefighters battled a wildfire in the tinder-dry forests near Washington state’s Satus Pass on Saturday, as hundreds of residents awaited word on when they might be allowed to return home.
The fire burning 20 miles north of the Columbia River and about 10 miles north of the city of Goldendale was 20 percent contained. The fire has burned more than 6 square miles but was holding steady at about 4,200 acres, said fire incident spokesman Dale Warriner.
The blaze has burned 64 buildings. Fire officials have confirmed that nine of those structures are homes, but that number is expected to rise upon further investigation.
About 200 homes remained evacuated Saturday, but Klickitat County Chief Criminal Deputy Pat Kaley said some residents might be allowed to return home later in the day.
The fire remained under investigation, but it was thought to be human- caused. The Associated Press
