In an agricultural and wine-producing region farther east, a helicopter pilot dropping water on a blaze burning unchecked made an emergency landing amid a mechanical failure, Walla Walla County Emergency Management spokeswoman Patty Courson said.
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In eastern Washington, a helicopter pilot fighting another wildfire walked away from a crash landing Monday.
Authorities are investigating what caused the fire to ignite after noon Monday and scorch almost 4 square miles east of Walla Walla near Blue Creek and Klicker Mountain.
“It’s very dependent on where they can stop the fire”, she said.
About 500 firefighters are tackling the blaze Tuesday, said Renae Crippen with the Blue Mountain Interagency Fire Center in La Grande, Oregon. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The fire started around 12:30 PM Monday and threatens homes and farm crops.
There were no reports of injuries or structural damage, although a load of hay on a semi-trailer caught fire on a road near the interstate after the driver fled to safety.
Interstate 90 between Vantage and George remained closed Tuesday morning in both directions because of the brush fire, which sent heavy smoke across the freeway.
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Lee said the Red Cross shelter at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds is accepting people and livestock.
