The Hawk Creek Fire has burned an estimated 20,000 acres in eastern Washington State. It was sparked by a trailered combine hitting a power line, according to police.
Washington’s Department of Natural Resources estimated the fire had burned roughly 5,000 acres as of Monday evening. Later, they increased that estimate to 20,000 acres.
The fire is burning southwest of the Washington town of Davenport, which is approximately 45 minutes west of Spokane.
Fire containment efforts were hampered by high winds, which made it unsafe for crews to fly planes or light containment fires.
According to police, the fire began when a trailered combine came in contact with a low-lying power line. The fallen line then ignited dry brush and chaff, starting the blaze.
