NESPELEM, Wash. -- Firefighters hope to gain ground on the massive Columbia River Road Fire burning near Nespelem, Washington before triple-digit heat returns to the region later this week.

The fire has burned nearly 22,000 acres and is now 40% contained. Flames are most intense on the western side of the fire and crews are trying to hold a line at Dan Nason Road.

There's also concern the fire will threaten Highway 155, which runs between Grand Coulee and Omak. Local enforcement agencies say they have a contingency plan in place in case that happens.