Andrus Road at 20 % containment

CHENEY -- As of 8:27 p.m. July 6, State Patrol officials say they have gained a more accurate assessment of the amount of acreage burning in the Andrus Road Fire, which has been upgraded to 20% containment as of Tuesday evening.

The fire has burned approximately 225 acres. State Patrol spokesman Trooper Jeff Sevigney said in a release that crews were able to not only get a better assessment today but also secure fire lines, gridded hot spots and assessed structures in the area. The progress has led officials to decrease evacuation levels one level in each zone.

"If you were a level 3 you are now bumped to a level 2 and so on," Sevigney said. "Due to the evacuation levels being lowered roads that were previously closed are only open to local residents. If you do not live in the area, please adhere to the road closures and stay clear."

For current evacuation orders please see Spokane County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Facebook page. Fire crews will continue their work through the night looking for hot spots and further securing the containment line. There are approximately 188 firefighters from all over the state working on the fire. There have been no injuries or structures lost.

The fire was reported at approximately 11:30 a.m. near Andrus Road, north of the Cheney School District's administration facilities and Three Springs High School on Needham Hill, and spread quickly through the grasslands, brush and timber in the area as a result of low relative humidity and unseasonably dry conditions. Firefighters from Spokane County fire districts 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, Airway Heights Fire, Spokane City Fire, Spokane Valley Fire, Lincoln County, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and numerous other agencies have played critical roles in slowing the spread of the fire.

The Red Cross is coordinating a shelter at Medical Lake High School for evacuees and Spokane County Fairgrounds is open for livestock. Citizens are asked to remain clear of the fire area and adhere to the road closures.

Due to the size and resources that are needed Fire District 3 Fire Chief Cody Rohrbach was able to request state mobilization resources. Northeast Washington Interagency Type 3 IMT Team 2 assumed command of the incident as of 10 p.m. on July 5. They will work in collaboration with local agencies to manage the incident.