YAKIMA, Wash. -- A wildfire in central Washington covered parts of nearby Yakima in smoke, destroyed at least three homes and threatened others late Sunday night, authorities said.
The fire started in the afternoon about 10 miles west of the city's downtown and grew to 10,000 acres by 11 p.m. PDT, fire officials said.
Winds began to ease somewhat late Sunday, but earlier strong gusts blew the blaze across a sagebrush-covered ridge toward an area of about 100 homes.
Three homes and several outbuildings, including small barns and shedds, were destroyed by the flames, said Richard Andring of the state's Department of Natural Resources.
Numerous homes were evacuated as firefighters went door-to-door to help residents leave. Officials did not release a figure on the number of evacuations, but most residents were allowed to return to their homes when the danger passed later in the evening.
In an update late Sunday, Andring told The Associated Press that dozens of homes were still threatened.
Flames burning up a hillside could be seen from some parts of Yakima, an agriculture hub of 71,000 in a region known for its tree fruit, wine grapes and hops.
More than 200 firefighters were battling the wildfire and about 100 more were expected in the morning, said Richard Andring of the state's Department of Natural Resources.
He said the blaze was burning toward a gravel pit and crews were building fire lines in an effort to direct it there so it will burn itself out.
There were no reports of serious injuries, but three firefighters were taken to a local hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. One of the firefighters also twisted an ankle, authorities said.
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