Destructive Washington fire empties another town

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

PATEROS, Wash. — A massive wildfire that destroyed about 100 homes is forcing the residents of a second north-central Washington town to leave their homes, and a partial evacuation of a third community in the scenic Methow Valley is also underway.

Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers said Friday evening that “basically … the whole town” of Malott is being evacuated, and those living in outlying areas of Brewster are being told they should leave as well.

Malott is home to about 500 people, while the population of Brewster is about 2,400.

Rogers says no injuries have been reported.

Fire swept through the town of Pateros on Thursday, leaving its 650 residents to return to large areas of smoldering rubble.

Officials say the fire known as the Carlton Complex has blackened more than 260 square miles and continues to grow.