The Evans Canyon fire, cause still undetermined, is actively burning approximately 13,000 acres, about 8 miles north of Naches, in Yakima County. The fire is moving primarily southeast and northeast and is being driven by winds that are expected to continue through late Wednesday evening. Currently over 200 firefighters are battling the blaze using three dozen engines and 3 dozers, along with support from above in the shape of fixed wing aircraft and helicopter support.

Containment remains challenging.

Weather forecasts call for a warming and drying trend with winds 15-20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 90's.

Firefighting crews are continuing to provide protection for communities and structures. Assessments are being conducted to determine the number and locations of lost structures. Crews continue to work to establish control lines around the perimeter of the fire. They are deploying aircraft to assist firefighting efforts. Additional crews, engines and other equipment have also been ordered.

North Wenas Road is closed at Longmire Road. BBQ Flats and Wenas recreating areas are closed. The Yakima River Canyon is now closed, including boat launches and campgrounds.

Evacuation levels 1 (ready), 2 (set), and 3 (go) are currently in use. Level 3 evacuation orders are in place for all homes north of Wenas Lake, west of Longmire Land and north of Naches Wenas Road in Selah, and north to the (Kittitas) County line.

Level 3 evacuations also extend south to Wenas Creek. A Level 3 evacuation order is in place to the east of Sheeps Company Road to the Yakima River, and in the Yakama Canyon. For evacuation updates go here. Please be aware of increased fire traffic in the fire area and surrounding communities.

At 12:15 p.m. PDT today, the Incident Management Team on the Evans Canyon Fire in coordination with Yakima and Kittitas County closed the Yakima River to recreational activities. The fire is expected to reach the River in the Umtanum Creek today and possibly areas further south through the Yakima River Canyon. Please refrain from driving highway 821 through the canyon, take I-82.

Details here.

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