Fire near Merritt prompts level 2 evacuations, disrupts power and rail

MERRITT — Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue (LWFR), U.S. Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources are responding to a fire off US-2.

The fire is located on White Pine Road and is an estimated 5 acres, according to the Central Washington Interagency Communication Center (CWICC). The fire started just after 3 p.m. Wednesday evening. 

According to Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue (LWFR), the fire is causing disruptions with rail traffic and power up Stevens Pass. Level 2 evacuations have been issued to the area of White Pin Road south of US-2 to milepost 80. The area of Gill Creek Road and Conductor Road are Level 1.

WA DNR spokesperson Ryan Rodruck told Ward Media that wind is the current challenge for firefighting capabilities.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media