Evacuation notices lifted as threat of central Washington wildfire subsides

All evacuation notices were lifted Friday as a massive fire burning in central Washington no longer threatens homes and private property.

The Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center says the blaze that began Aug. 11 continues to burn in remote and extremely rugged terrain along the fire’s northern perimeter northwest of Cle Elum but no longer threatens communities.

Authorities say firefighting efforts and cooler fall weather have slowed the fire’s growth. About 40 percent is contained. Fire officials will continue to monitor the blaze until rain and snowfall extinguishes it.

The wildfire has scorched more than 57 square miles. It was started by multiple lightning strikes.

This story was originally published September 29, 2017 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Evacuation notices lifted as threat of central Washington wildfire subsides."