WALLA WALLA, Wash.—Several wildfires lit up Washington state on Tuesday, closing freeways, including a major east-west artery, destroying at least one home and threatening dozens of others.
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. The flames threatened 50 homes and led to a brief evacuation on Monday.
The Grant County sheriff’s office reported a trailer full of hay had burned on the road next to the interstate. The fire broke out Sunday night and reignited Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported.
In eastern Washington, a helicopter pilot fighting another wildfire walked away from a crash landing Monday. Heather Lee of Walla Walla County Emergency Management told the Union-Bulletin the helicopter had a mechanical failure.
