Wildfire in East Slopes Southern Cascades, Washington

The Lauderdale wildfire, centered about 15 miles east of Cle Elum, burned 250 acres. The fire began near U.S. Highway 97, and was driven my strong winds. The fire consumed two small cabins and forced the evacuation of 25 others. The fire spreaded along hillsides through privately owned forests and recently logged lands. Highway 97 was temporarily closed by the fire. Nearly 300 people, 35 firetrucks and bulldozers, and six aircraft helped out in fighting the blaze. Ellensburg, 15 miles south of the fire, reported sustained wind speeds 20-25 MPH with gusts up to 35 MPH during the afternoon and early evening hours on July 25th. The property damage from this event is estimated to be $4,000.