Wildfire evacuation orders lifted for over 100 homes north of Cle Elum

Evacuation orders have been reduced for just over 100 homes north of Cle Elum after homeowners were evacuated about two weeks ago due to a wildfire.

Jill Beedle with the Kittitas Emergency Operations Center says the change impacts those living in the Teanaway area. Evacuations orders have been downgraded from Level 3 to level 2, allowing the community, specifically the area of Teanaway Meadows, the West Fork to include Dingbat, the Middle Fork, the Wagon Wheel area, and the residences in the lower North Fork Teanaway area the chance to go back to their homes.

The Kittitas County Fire Marshal also advises that all propane tanks were shut off by the fire team’s structure protection group.  The technicians placed a “lock out-tag out” lock on each tank.  Residents will be responsible for contacting their propane provider for removal of these locks.

Beedle says the northern North Fork of the Teanaway remains at a Level 3 notice due to continued fire activity.

The Jolly Mountain fire has burned more than 30,000 acres and it is at a 15% containment level.

Firefighters say the cooler temperatures and lighter wind gusts are helping get the fire under control.