A house fire in a rural area north of La Center has spread to surrounding vegetation, prompting fire officials to call for Level 3 GO NOW evacuations in areas north of Northeast Jenny Creek Road. The fire was reported at 3:38 p.m. at a residence on Northeast Jenny Creek Road, and has since spread to nearby trees and kindled spot fires in the area. As of about 4:30 p.m., the fire area was estimated to be approximately 3 acres. Fire crews, including brush rigs, water tenders, and a helicopter, have been called in to address the spot fires and prevent further spread.

Residents within a half mile of the fire were initially alerted to evacuate, but the evacuation zone has since been expanded to a full mile as the fire pushed in the hilly terrain. Dispatchers used a reverse 911 system to reach residents and fire crews have been making PA announcements to assist in alerting nearby residences. The Washington Department of Natural Resources and fire departments from Cowlitz County and Vancouver are providing additional support.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Sources:

- The Columbian: Evacuation zone expanded as house fire north of La Center spreads to nearby vegetation

- KGMI: Sudden Valley fire quickly contained

- The Tooele Transcript Bulletin: Outbuilding fire in Lakepoint threatened wildlands