KETTLE FALLS--Fire crews have the fire burning near Kettle Falls 15 percent contained as of Saturday morning. Stevens County is in a state of emergency.

Crews from Ferry County, Stevens County and the Department of Natural Resources are fighting the fire.

High winds knocks down power lines and trees sparking more than 40 fires in Colville.

Heavy winds in recent hours have snapped power lines sparking blazes throughout the area.

Power is out in much of the city and approximately half the city has come to a halt.

Othello Richards

Fires and heavy smoke have forced the closure of Highway 395 from the Columbia River to Barstow; north of Kettle Falls. Nearly 200 acres in that region has burn.

That blaze caused 28 families to evacuate in the area. A shelter is now open at Kettle Falls High School.