Firefighter dies while combating Washington wildfire

WENATCHEE, Wash. – A firefighter assigned to a wildfire burning north of Wenatchee has died.

Agencies responding to the blaze say the firefighter became ill Monday afternoon and was transported to a nearby hospital where he died.

A fire spokesman says the firefighter was assigned to a fire 20 miles north of Wenatchee. No other details were being released. His name will not be released.

More than 4,000 firefighters are working to contain dozens of lightning-sparked wildfires burning. Weak winds and stagnant conditions are forecast to continue in the eastern foothills of the Cascades for several days.

The Washington Department of Ecology says Ellensburg has joined Wenatchee in reaching hazardous levels in their air quality.

Residents in both communities are advised to stay indoors, limit physical activities and close doors and windows.