Fire threatens homes, casino near Okanogan

The state is mobilizing people and equipment to help Bureau of Indian Affairs firefighters battling a wildfire threatening homes and a casino near Okanogan.

Ron Bowen with the state fire marshal's office at Camp Murray says that about 60 firefighters with engines, water tenders, bulldozers and a helicopter have been dispatched.

The fire was started by lightning at 7 p.m. Tuesday and burned about 1,000 acres of brush. By early Wednesday the Okanogan County sheriff's office said it covered 1,500 acres.

Bowen says the fire threatens 15 homes and some residents have been evacuated. The fire also threatens the Okanogan tribal bingo casino.

Another fire in the county has burned about 300 acres. A Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman says there has been no property damage and firefighters are reinforcing lines.