VIDEO: One of the first notable wildfires of the season has already burned over 5,000 acres near Royal City, Washington, according to Grant County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kyle Foreman.
Authorities say the 243 Fire sparked at about 9 p.m. on Monday. It has since prompted Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in the surrounding area. An emergency shelter has been set up at the Royal City Intermediate School, according to the GCSO.
Level 3 evacuations are in place for Smyrna. The Grant County Sheriff's Office says police are enroute to notify residents as of 8 am.
This means residents must leave now as they are in immediate danger.
Level 2 evacuations are covering the area between Highway 26 and 243, including Beverly, Schawana and Wanapum Village. This means there is a significant risk to the area, but residents should prepare for an immediate evacuation as the fire is moving closer to residents.
Foreman says the Level 2 evacuations could affect at least 75 homes.