Brush Fire Near Sumner Temporarily Closes State Route 167

SUMNER, WA — A large grass fire off State Route 167 in Sumner closed the highway Monday night and prompted the evacuation of a nearby warehouse. East Pierce Fire crews arrived on the scene shortly after 7:30 p.m. and reported flames on both sides of the road.

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According to Washington State Patrol, the highway was closed in both directions due to the fire and downed power lines near the State Route 410 interchange. Additional closures were announced at 9 p.m., including eastbound State Route 512 to northbound SR 167 and Meridian to SR 167.

Images posted by Trooper Ryan Burke showed flames and embers near the roadway, and high winds could be heard on video.

The city of Sumner tweeted that a warehouse located on the 4300 block of West Valley Highway East was evacuated as a precaution.

Critical fire conditions will continue throughout the week, and a red flag warning is in effect through at least Thursday. Forecasters expect the winds to ease by Wednesday, but the dry weather will be in place for the foreseeable future.

Related: Winds Bring Smoky Skies, High Temps Later This Week