Sections of several highways were closed in the county. The fire had jumped U.S. Highway 97 between Brewster and Pateros. Some people were injured because cars and tractor-trailers collided due to poor visibility in the area. Two major power lines, one feeding Pateros and one feeding Winthrop and Twisp, have burned having as consequence power outage in the county. Methow Valley, about 180 miles east of Seattle, a popular area for hiking and fishing, was affected. The fire’s smoke plume rose 25,000 feet into the air. About 1600 homes are threatened. Winds are as high as 30 mph. The cause of the fire is under investigation. It is possible that governor’s offices in both Washington and Oregon to declare states of emergency expecting to obtain help from the National Guard.
