SPOKANE –Residents and staff at Convent of the Holy Names were allowed to return Tuesday after a large wildfire forced them to evacuate.
Fire crews spent the day mopping up the Government Way Fire which broke out Monday afternoon.
It burned about five acres in Northwest Spokane.
The image of smoke filling the sky just west of Doomsday Hill was still clear in the minds of neighbors.
“That little fire turned into quite a big fire,” said Tim Lewis, who lives nearby.
Firefighters said strong winds fanned the flames. The changing conditions forced the convent to evacuate quickly. About 60 sisters and staff members were sent to various locations including the Red Lion Hotel and Mission House near Gonzaga.
Fire crews were expected to remain on scene Tuesday evening.
