Fire prompts Gorge evacuations

UPDATE 9pm:

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office says that the fire is under control and flames are out. Firefighters are focusing on hot spots.

A large wildfire near the Gorge threatened at least 10 homes and prompted Level 2 and 3 evacuation alerts in Grant County Sunday afternoon.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office says the 600-acre Sunland Fire was burning along the Columbia River, just three miles south of the concert venue known as the Gorge Amphitheatre. Officials say the fire was burning away from the Gorge, and the amphitheater was not at risk.

Officials advised everyone in the area of Old Vantage Highway and Frenchman Coulee, which is under Level 3 alert, to leave. The Level 2 homes threatened were under Level 2 evacuation.

The Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington, is hosting its annual Memorial Day weekend event, the Sasquatch Music Festival. The region is also home to many camping and recreational spots.