Light rain fell in the Cle Elum area overnight, providing a bit of relief to firefighters working the Taylor Bridge fire. The fire is 43 percent contained.
By Saturday evening, the fire had burned 23,252 acres. Firefighters now expect full containment by early Monday morning.
A total of 48 homes have burned in the fire, along with 15 other structures. Residents were given the latest figures at a Friday afternoon briefing. Previously, state and local officials had estimated that about 70 homes were burned.
Nearly 1,000 firefighters and support personnel are fighting the fire.
The latest from Incident Command Center
Fire managers said the focus of fire crews continues to be strengthening the northern flank of the fire between SR97 and the intersection of SR 970 and SR 10.
Fire officials say a Level 3 order remains for the northwest portion of the fire and a Level 2 order for much of the southeast portion of the fire. More than 400 people remain evacuated, and temporary flight restrictions are in place.
No new road closures have been issued. Part of SR97 has been reopened with a reduced speed limit.
Weather permitting and with appropriate conditions in place, burnout operations may take place this afternoon along the northwest portion of the fireline. There may be increased smoke in the area during the operations.
The temporary restriction on the drinking water system for Sunlight Waters development was lifted Saturday night.
The Kittitas County EmergencyManagement Team is in the process of assessing damage to structures. This is expected to continue for several more days.
Structure protection crews are performing mop-up 300 feet around buildings in areas with brush, 500 feet around buildings with trees.
The red flag warning issued for much of the state has been canceled.
Weather forecast for the fire zone
See maps of the fire lines and evacuation areas
Dept. of Agriculture seeking information on animals
The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office says the Washington State Department of Agriculture have asked evacuees to contact the Emergency Operations Center with numbers and types of animals that were left behind, as well as the number of types of deceased animals. Get contact information here
Firefighters say thank you
On Saturday, fire officials thanked people who have generously offered support to the firefighters working the Taylor Bridge fire. They said while no additional donations are needed, anyone wanting to contribute to firefighters or to neighbors affected by the fire should direct their contributions to one of the agencies identified below:
Wildland Firefighter Foundation (208) 336-2996
2049 Airport Way,Boise ID 83705
http://www.wffoundation.org
Red Cross (509)925-5866
Accepting financial contributions only
Cle Elum Eagles Club (509) 674-2385
Accepting clothing at Clothing Store locations:
118E 1st Street, Cle Elum WA 98922
220 Pennsylvania Ave., Cle Elum WA 98922
Cle Elum Hope Source (509) 925-1448
Accepting non-perishable food and pet food at:
110 N Pennsylvania Avenue, Cle Elum, WA 98922
ARRF Animal Rescue (509) 304-4805
Accepting pet food and pet supply donations, carriers and livestock hauling
Monetary donation can be made online at http://www.arrfanimalrescue.org/
Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce (509) 925-2002
Accepting financial and general donations, clothing and non-perishable food at:
609 N Main, Ellensburg, WA 98926 (corner of 7th and Main)
Washington Cattlemen's Association (509) 925-9877
Accepting financial donations, feed and fencing supplies at:
1301N. Dolarway, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Resources
Kittitas County has set up a 211 phone line to provide citizens with specific contact information for agencies providing health and human services, animal services, recovery, housing and food assistance, as well as donations.
Anyone who needs these types of services, or information from these agencies, should dial "211" to acquire the necessary information.
Emergency shelters:
-- Cle Elum Centennial Senior Center, 719 E. Third Street, Cle Elum, (509) 963-1141
-- Central Washington University, Munson Dorms, Ellensburg, (509) 674-7530
-- Animals evacuated to the Kittitas County Fairground
Donations are being accepted by the Red Cross. The Kittitas County Sheriff has said money, not goods, are the best way to help residents. Find out how you can help.
Related links:
Kittitas Community Connect Facebook page
Facebook page for evacuated and injured pets and animals
VCA Animal hospitals in the Western Washington area are offering free boarding assistance for small animals whose families have lost their homes or are among those evacuated. Call the VCA Redmond Animal Hospital at 425-885-1476 for more information.
Stunning fire photos from Daily Record newspaper
Watch: SkyKING video over burned homes, structures
Photos of the fire can be sent to KING 5 via email, Twitter, Facebook, or posted directly to KING5.com using Your News.
Associated Press and KING 5 reporting.
