'Leave Now': Williams Lake Wildfire Engulfs 3200 Acres, Level 3 Evacuations In Place

Cheney, Washington -- A wildfire south of Cheney near Williams Lake in Washington has spread across an area of 3,200 acres as of late Wednesday, local media reported, citing the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

More than 200 people and multiple agencies are working to contain the wildfire. According to Spokane County Fire District Chief Cody Rorbach, two structures have been damaged in the fire. The details about the structures were not known.

In a press briefing Wednesday evening, officials said less than 10% of the fire has been contained with both ground and air support working on it, KHQ06 reported.

Multiple agencies from Spokane, Lincoln and Whitman counties have responded to the wildfire. Rorbach said there are 12 aircraft dumping water on the fire to contain it. However, the rocky terrain is making it difficult for firefighters to work.

Authorities have issued a Level 3 – which means "leave now" – evacuation alert from 15111 to 14411 Williams Lake Road. The Level 3 evacuation orders are also in place for Martin Road to Cheney Plaza down to Williams Lake Road. All those living in these areas are advised to evacuate immediately.

The people living between Pinegrove and Wells and south toward Blackman Road and Texas Ferry are under Level 2 – which means "get set" – evacuations. Williams Lake Road is closed from Rock Lake Road to Badger Lake Road.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

The Red Cross said it is currently setting up a shelter at the Cheney High School for evacuees. The Cheney Rodeo Grounds is open for large animal evacuations.

This is a developing story.