Crews making progress on fires near Zillah and Wapato; lowered evacuation level | Local

Evacuation levels were lowered near Rattlesnake Ridge as firefighters made progress battling the Beam Road fire, east of Zillah.

A Sunday evening update from the incident command team indicated the fire was 42 percent contained, with updated mapping showing it at 8,542 acres.

The fire broke out around 1 p.m. Saturday and is burning on the Bureau of Land Management and private land.

Yakima Valley Emergency Management has lowered the fire evacuation level to Level 1, meaning people should be vigilant and aware.

The fire was pushed by strong winds on Saturday. Some winds persisted Sunday, but firefighters were optimistic about the weather conditions, according to the release.

“Today the crews have made incredible progress and we still have wind, but the weather seems to be settling. Other challenges facing firefighters include livestock and steep terrain canyons and approaching the ridge,” the update said.

Wapato Fire

The Camas Road Fire near Wapato was 50% contained as of Sunday evening and was 73 acres. It started at 4 p.m. on Saturday and was burning in vegetation and pastures, fueled by strong winds.

Emergency officials lifted evacuation notices Saturday evening.

The fire crew said they plan to finish their work on the fire by the end of their shift Monday.

The cause of the fires is under investigation.