Firefighters in Washington State Take on Heat, Terrain to Battle 49,000-Acre Blaze

POMEROY, Wash. (AP) -- Fire crews had to contend with summer heat and rough terrain to encircle a 49,000-acre wildfire, the largest in the Lower 48 states.

The fire in southeastern Washington has destroyed more than 100 homes and more than 100 outbuildings about 15 miles south of Pomeroy. It was second in size only to an 82,000-acre blaze in Alaska.

Fire officials estimated the blaze was 65 percent contained Monday but could not say when it might be brought under control.

''We have two miles of line left to build but those are a couple of rugged miles,'' said spokesman Julian Rhinehart.

A break in the weather could come Wednesday, when a low-pressure system is expected to bring rain, though lightning was also possible, he said.

In western Montana, crews fighting an 11,000-acre blaze near Alberton were helped by cool, moist weather. That fire, which began as two blazes along Interstate 90, was 70 percent contained Monday, with full containment possible by Thursday.

Authorities said they were going to interview a man who was seen stopped along I-90 at the time the fire started, possibly with vehicle problems. Officials believe the blazes were sparked by a malfunctioning vehicle or arson.

Forest Service spokeswoman Paula Nelson said the man was not considered a suspect.

''We want to ask him what he saw or knows,'' Nelson said. ''Did he see a trailer going by dragging anything? Any suspicious people? He might not know anything at all.''

The National Interagency Fire Center said 28 large fires totaling 290,000 acres were active Monday in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. So far this year, wildfires have charred 5.89 million acres nationwide, compared with 5.95 million acres at the same time last year.

On the Net:

National Interagency Fire Center: www.nifc.gov

Copyright 2005 Associated Press