Fire burning northeast of Cheney

FOUR LAKES -- Crews are on the scene of a wildland fire burning northeast of Cheney. According to the Department of Natural Resources fire information map, the blaze has burned roughly 30 acres of land located just north of Needham Hill between Four Lakes on the west and South Andrus Road on the east.

Cheney Free Press staff report at least six fixed-wing aircraft and three helicopters are currently engaged in fighting the fire.

Update 5:50 p.m. -- According to a release from the Washington State Patrol, the fire has grown to approximately 50 acres, is burning in grass, brush and timber and is threatening crops and other resources, 137 primary residences, communications structures and Interstate 90. Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices have been issued.

State Fire Marshal John Batiste authorized the use of state firefighting resources at 2 p.m. this afternoon at the request of Spokane County Fire District 3 Chief Cody Rohrbach.