Evans Canyon Fire Now 70% Contained, Still Evac Warnings

Finally, crews are getting the upper hand on the largest wild-brush fire in our state so far this fire season.

The Evans Canyon Fire, which sprang up about 8 miles north of Naches, has burned just under 76K acres, but is now 70 percent contained.

However, according to incident commanders and officials, some emergency evacuation zones are still in place as well as road closures:

"Highway 821 (Yakima Canyon Hwy), the Yakima River, boat ramps, and Yakima River Canyon campgrounds will open tomorrow (Wendesday) at 6 AM. BBQ Flats and Wenas recreation areas along with parts of North Wenas Road, Sheep Company Road, Naches Wenas Road, and Longmire Road remain closed."

And evacuation warnings still exist:

"Existing Yakima and Kittitas County level 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain unchanged. For the latest evacuation updates, visit the YakimaCountyOEM Facebook page and the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office web page. Please be aware and stay out of fire closure areas due to firefighters moving heavy equipment and finishing up work across the fire area."

Among the hundreds of workers battling the blaze, there's 63 fire engines and 9 water tenders, or water bomber aircraft. No word on when it will be considered completely under control. The raging winds Labor Day did not help conditions.