People in Keller told to leave now for wildfire

FERRY COUNTY, Wash. -- More people were told to leave immediately due to the Swawilla Fire burning north of Grand Coulee Wednesday.

Around 8:30 p.m. on July 24, Level 3 evacuations (Go Now) were issued for the area of Keller, Washington due to winds shifting the course of the Swawilla Fire, according to Colville Tribal Broadcast, News and Information .

WSDOT said the Keller Ferry will run overnight to assist with evacuations.

Those evacuating should travel south on State Route 21 to the north landing site of the Keller Ferry. Passengers will be transported across the Columbia River to the south landing site.

In addition to the limited ferry service, the closure of SR-21 has been extended from Manilla Creek Road at milepost 112 to Cache Creek Road at milepost 124.

Around 4 p.m. on July 24, Colville Tribe Emergency Management also issued Level 3 evacuations (Go Now) for residents on Peter Dan Rd; McGinnis Lake; Reynolds Resort; Belvedere and Seatons Grove.

The Level 3 evacuations are also in place west of Keller along Highway 155, up to the Buffalo Lake area and down the river to Peter Dan.

As of 4:45 p.m., Highway 155 is not closed.

Shelters are open at Lake Roosevelt High School Gym, 500 Civic Way, Coulee Dam, Wash. and Pascal Sherman Indian School, 169 North End Omak Lake Road, Omak, Wash.

So far, the fire has burned over 12,634 acres.

Fire officials held a community meeting Wednesday night in Keller to provide the latest fire and evacuation information.

Ferry County Sheriff's Office said any questions can be directed to the emergency operation center at 509-634-7350 or 509-634-7359.

MORE: Community safety meeting for Swawilla Fire Wednesday

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