Fire Burns Near Knapps Hill Tunnel off Highway 97/A

Crews responded and contained a brush fire on Highway 97/A, south of Chelan, that was reported just before noon Tuesday. The fire was contained by 1:30 p.m, according to Chelan Fire and Rescue.

"A gentleman had been burning and wind picked up, we had wind speeds up to 10 to 15 mph at times, it picked up and took some of the flame up before he was able to control it," said Fire Chief Mark Donnell. "It started running up the hill."

Upon arrival at the scene, crews had a half acre, slow moving fire that was slightly wind driven.

"The biggest concern was that the wind was picking it up in some spots that were pretty steep," said Chief Donnell.

Chelan Fire and Rescue, Chelan County Fire District 8, Entiat units, Chelan County Sheriff and Washington state Department of Natural Resources responded.