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Wildfire spreading near Satus Pass in Washington

A transportation worker stops traffic on U.S. Highway 97 north of Goldendale, Wash. on Thursday.
Associated Press
A transportation worker stops traffic on U.S. Highway 97 north of Goldendale, Wash. on Thursday.

GOLDENDALE, Wash. — More firefighters are being dispatched to the wildfire that has burned nine homes near Satus Pass in south central Washington.

Department of Natural Resources spokesman Chuck Turley says the number of firefighters will double by Saturday to 600 as the state mobilizes resources.

They'll likely be busy through the weekend as warm, dry weather continues in the Northwest.

The fire broke out Wednesday and has covered 5,300 acres of brush and trees. About 200 homes are evacuated. Traffic on Highway 97 at Satus Pass has been closed at times Friday by smoke and the nearby fire. A community meeting is planned Friday night at the Goldendale High School.

Another wildfire on the Olympic Peninsula near Brinnon has burned 800 acres in a wilderness area. No structures are threatened.

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