Two separate brush fires broke out in Northeast Vancouver on Monday evening, forcing people living nearby to briefly evacuate their homes.
The first brush fire was reported at about 3 p.m. near Burnt Bridge Creek, and emergency officials said it was moving south toward some homes.
People living at homes located on the north side of Northeast 16th Street were told to evacuate immediately, while those in houses on the north side of NE 14th Street should be at a Level 1 "BE READY" evacuation level.
Firefighters encountered thick vegetation and steep terrain while trying to fight the fire that was driven by 20-mph winds. They also had to work around several high-voltage lines hanging above the fire.
Firefighters had the two-acre fire under control by about 4:30 p.m. and those evacuation orders were dropped.
A second brush fire was reported on NE 56th Way near Andresen Road at roughly the same time, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) said.
The fire burned several trees and a large shop, which started to catch several homes on fire.
Firefighters managed to quickly get the fire under control, and after a brief evacuation, people living nearby were allowed to return home.
Strong gusts on Monday afternoon fanned the flames and made for rapid fire growth.
“You’ve got very dry conditions, wind picks up those embers and can blow them long distances from the initial fire, starting spot fires downrange,” said KATU meteorologist Dave Salesky.