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Washington wildfire burns nearly 250,000 acres

Massive wildfire in northern Washington and across the border in Canada forces evacuations, burns nearly 250,000 acres.

By Danielle Haynes

OKANOGAN, Wash., July 20 (UPI) -- The massive Carlton Complex Fire in northern Washington state has burned more than 248,000 acres and up to 100 homes, county officials said.

The towns of Brewster and Malott were evacuated Friday, Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers said.

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Though the wildfire is slowing down, it continued to threaten some 500 homes Saturday.

"The fire is slowing down, but still really active," Rogers said Saturday.

The cooler weather has helped firefighters get some control of the fire, but winds of up to 25 mph have hindered efforts.

The Carlton Complex Fire began July 14 following a storm that produced lightning. It forced the evacuation of an entire town of 600 people Thursday night.

There have been no reports of injuries or deaths due to the blaze.

Across the border in Canada, some 2,500 people were evacuated from West Kelowna.

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