On Monday August 13 a fire broke out in the rural area around Cle Elum, Washington. Preliminary reports suggest the cause of the fire is related to construction work being performed on the Taylor Bridge – although these reports have yet to be confirmed. High wind (30 mile per hour), high temperatures and dry summer conditions caused the fire to spread quickly throughout the area. Estimates suggest that the fire has affected more than 28,000 acres. At last report approximately, 70 homes have suffered damage and more than 900 people have been evacuated as firefighters have struggled to contain the fire. Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire has declared a state of emergency for two counties.
Cozen O'Connor has engaged experts who are working with local and state authorities to gain access to the point where the fire originated.
For more information, please contact Bryan R. Campbell, 206.373.7245 [email protected] or Eric Hanson, 206.224.1291 [email protected].