WENATCHEE, Wash. --
A growing wildfire in central Washington forced residents from their homes on Saturday afternoon.
The Swakane Fire, which was detected seven miles north of Wenatchee on Saturday, quickly grew to an estimated 1,500 acres by Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday evening, The U.S. Forest Service reported that the blaze had grown to 3,000 acres as it tore through grass and timber toward the Columbia River.
Federal, state and local firefighters worked to contain the wildfire, but strong afternoon winds pushed the fire toward nearby highway 97-A, threatening structures and driving residents into a Red Cross shelter.
The Chelan County Sheriffs Department ordered a level two evacuation, giving some residents only minutes to leave their homes.
As the fire grew, so did the response.
By evening, firefighting sources included five helicopters and two air tankers.
Steep ground required an aerial approach to fighting the flames.
Fire managers also ordered additional engines, water tenders and hand crews.
Authorities do not yet know what started the fire, which continued to burn overnight.
A Washing Incident Management team will be managing the Swakane Fire suppression efforts beginning Sunday Morning.
Copyright 2010 by KIROTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
