Brush Fire Near Tehaleh 40% Contained, No Homes Threatened

BONNEY LAKE, WA — A brush fire burning just outside of Bonney Lake is around 40 percent contained and is not actively threatening homes in the area, according to the latest update from East Pierce Fire & Rescue.

Firefighters first reported the blaze around 8 p.m. Thursday, saying crews had been called to investigate reports of smoke and found a blaze burning near the Tehaleh community south of Bonney lake.

First responders then closed the intersection of 198th Ave E and 158th St E, and asked drivers to avoid the area as they worked to contain the fire.

That tactic appears to have worked: as of Friday morning, the brush fire had only burned around 10 to 15 acres and East Pierce Fire says "solid fire lines" are in place to keep it from threatening any nearby homes.

However, crews still have work to do to boost containment, and will be on scene through the day working to contain the blaze in several spots. As a result, firefighters expect heavy smoke in the area and advise nearby neighbors to keep windows and doors closed if possible.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.