KEY POINTS

  • The evacuation zone of the fire was expanded Sunday
  • The dramatic spread was attributed to severe weather conditions
  • The fire spread from 156 to 2,000 acres in a matter of hours

The spread of the Nakia Creek Fire dramatically increased near the northern border of Oregon Sunday.

The fire broke the containment lines and triggered an expansion of the evacuation zone, according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

The blaze, which has been raging for more than a week, has majorly affected areas northeast of Camas in Clark County.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources attributed its dramatic spread to severe weather conditions, extremely warm temperatures, low humidity and high winds.

The fire spread from 156 acres to 2,000 acres in a matter of hours Sunday, CNN reported.

With the expansion of the evacuation zone, more than 3,000 homes in the affected area were issued evacuation orders. The Nakia Creek Fire was 5% contained by Sunday night.

Authorities also issued an extension of the Red Flag warning, which signals conditions that are highly unfavorable for prescribed burns. The fire management crew of Clark County noted that the 2022 wildfire season has been longer than usual.

Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency said that "another good week of potential fire weather," as per the outlet.

"While the calendar may say it's October 16th, I need you to think like it is August 16th," the official added.

The temperature in cities like Seattle, Olympia and Bellingham set new records Sunday. According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, the three cities broke their previously set daily record.

A social media post from the agency also indicated that the air quality in the affected areas would not get better until Monday. The probability of rain was also noted Friday night, bringing relief to firefighters.

The Larch Corrections Center, located close to the fire, is also deliberating about evacuating inmates or having them shelter in place, KGW reported.

Meanwhile, the Washougal School District said it would call off all scheduled classes on Monday to help people evacuate from the area. The Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School have already been instructed to evacuate.

An evacuation center has been set up at Camas Church of the Nazarene, 2204 Northeast Birch Street, Camas, Washington, by Red Cross Cascades.

Representational image (wildfire)
Representational image (Source: Pixabay / fish96)
Read more