A fast-growing brush fire erupted near the Interstate 90 Vantage Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, triggering emergency evacuations and shutting down a major interstate highway in Vantage, Washington.
The Ryegrass Coulee Fire rapidly expanded to an estimated 600 acres, creating low visibility that forced officials to close Interstate 90 in both directions for several hours before it eventually reopened.
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According to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, the blaze threatened multiple homes, local structures, and vital power infrastructure in the immediate area.
"Go Now" Level 3 evacuation orders were initially issued for local residents due to the immediate danger posed by the advancing flames.
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The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office later downgraded the emergency status to a Level 2 "Be Ready" evacuation warning, allowing residents to return home while remaining prepared to leave at a moment's notice.
While federal and state highways have resumed traffic, the Vantage Highway remained closed due to downed powerlines across the roadway.
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A Red Flag Warning highlighting critical fire conditions remained in effect across central and eastern Washington through Wednesday evening as authorities continued investigating the cause of the fire.
