YAKIMA, Wash. -- The Table Mountain Fire, which covered 42,300 acres outside of Cle Elum, was declared contained Friday as scheduled, authorities said.
About 160 firefighters are expected to remain to continue mop-up work inside the perimeter, according to a statement from the incident command team Friday.
The fire was caused by a lightning storm almost a month ago.
Meanwhile, the Cascade Creek Fire, burning on the southwest edge of Mount Adams, stood at 68 percent containment. That fire has covered about 20,000 acres since it started Sept. 8.
Officials reported winds as high as 50 mph that were toppling trees and creating hazard conditions for firefighters. The uncontained parts of the fire have been somewhat sheltered from wind by the mountain.
Fires across the region have lowered air quality in many areas. Health officials in Kittitas County said Friday that conditions were considered unhealthy in the Ellensburg area Thursday and Friday.
People, especially those sensitive to polluted air, should wear a mask or stay inside as much as possible to avoid irritation.
Copyright 2012 - Yakima Herald-Republic, Wash.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
