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Optimism Grows For Firefighters in Washington State

Posted: 5:26 PM Aug 15, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

Calmer winds are giving Washington state firefighters hope of containing a wildfire that has left dozens of families homeless.

Swirling winds have been fanning the fire that's destroyed about 70 homes and hundreds of outbuildings. With better weather and 800 firefighters on the job, the incident commander is predicting "a good day."

The fire broke out Monday at a bridge construction near Cle Elum about 75 miles east of Seattle. About 900 people have been evacuated from at least 400 homes. The fire is about 10 percent contained.

Crews are also battling wildfires in several other states in hot, dry and windy conditions.

One fire burning across 100 square miles in central Idaho is getting closer to the small towns of Featherville and Pine, and fire managers are discussing evacuation plans. Campers have already been told to leave.

In Wyoming, firefighters used a helicopter yesterday to rescue five people whose only escape route was threatened by a wildfire in the Shoshone National Forest.