Wildfire burns at least 24 homes, 4,000 acres in central Washington

WENATCHEE, Wash., June 29 (UPI) -- At least 24 houses were destroyed and some 1,000 evacuated over the weekend due to a wildfire that has scorched an estimated 4,000 acres in central Washington, officials said Monday.

Between 24 and 28 residences were burned in the so-called Sleepy Hollow Fire, located in northwestern Wenatchee, emergency officials said. The fire started Sunday afternoon southeast of the town of Monitor, Wash., and quickly engulfed about four square miles as of Monday evening.

Windy conditions, temperatures in excess of 100 degrees and drought conditions contributed to the spreading flames. Some rain helped temper the blaze, though firefighters were still trying to contain the fire.

Three firefighters sustained minor injuries, though no other injuries were reported, KOMO-TV in Seattle reported.

Late in the morning Monday, emergency management officials issued a shelter-in-place order after a fruit warehouse began leaking ammonia into the air. Once it dissipated, the order was lifted.

In addition to residences, some businesses burned in Wenatchee, including Michelsen Packaging and Northern Wholesale Inc., the Wenatchee World reported.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement Monday offering prayers for those affected by the wildfire.

"We recognized early that this summer would bring with it another unprecedented fire season," he said. "That's why last week we proactively declared a state of emergency and statewide burn ban to last through the summer. This allows state agencies to use resources necessary to respond to the fires and assist those who have been affected."

Officials said they were investigating the cause of the fire.