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Carlton Complex 90 Percent Contained

Fire managers have the Carlton Complex in north central Washington almost fully contained. The containment lines are now circling 90 percent of the largest fire in Washington state history, the Carlton Complex. Those lines run nearly 200 miles around the 255,000 acre fire.Fire information officer Andy Lyon says they do have concerns about wind in the forecast, they are hopeful full containment will come soon, but he says the containment lines are very extensive.

Lyon: “Whether the line is a natural line or a hand constructed line, the crews have walked in and stung small diameter hose throughout the area.”

He says all of the highest level evacuations have been downgraded, but since the situation is in flux, residents need to be prepared. Lyon adds, "people have reason to be concerned, they are on alert, they shouldn’t wait for a knock on the door, they should be ready to leave."
 
Lyon says they are starting to send firefighters to other fires burning in the state. Over 1,600 firefighters remain on scene.

Steve was part of the Spokane Public Radio family for many years before he came on air in 1999. His wife, Laurie, produced Radio Ethiopia in the late 1980s through the '90s, and Steve used to “lurk in the shadowy world” of Weekend SPR. Steve has done various on air shifts at the station, including nearly 15 years as the local Morning Edition host. Currently, he is the voice of local weather and news during All Things Considerd, writing, editing, producing and/or delivering newscasts and features for both KPBX and KSFC. Aside from SPR, Steve ,who lives in the country, enjoys gardening, chickens, playing and listening to music, astronomy, photography, sports cars and camping.
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