'Tunnel Five Fire' tears through hundreds of acres in Washington, evacuations ordered

UNDERWOOD, Wash. (KATU) — A fast-moving wildfire burning in Skamania County, Washington has forced "Level 3" evacuations for everyone living within a two-mile radius of the blaze, state fire officials said.

The Tunnel Five Fire tore through an estimated 540 acres as of Monday afternoon.

Officials said at least 10 homes have been destroyed and 250 remain threatened.

The fire broke out at about 11:20 a.m. Sunday along SR-14 by the community of Underwood.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for much of Skamania County," the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post. "This means that they would expect rapid spread on any new or existing fires. Please pay extra attention and avoid doing things that could accidentally spark a wildfire, whether that's dragging a tow chain, setting off fireworks, or flicking a cigarette out the car window."

The Red Cross is offering shelter to evacuees at the Skamania County Fairgrounds.

SR-14 remains closed between mile markers 53 and 63.

Firefighters battled the blaze from the air and ground Sunday, and their efforts continued Monday.

More crews are being sent from around the state to help fight the fire.

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