Last stretch of Taylor Bridge fire hard to contain; local economy boosted

Fire crews in central Washington say they’ll need a couple more days to contain the last 10 percent of the Taylor Bridge fire.

The blaze near Cle Elum is 90 percent surrounded by fire lines, with full containment expected by Friday. The last open stretch of wildfire is in especially steep, rocky terrain.

Meanwhile, the influx of firefighters and reporters is giving an unexpected boost to the local economy. Judy Tokarsyck directs the Cle Elum-Rosylin Chamber of Commerce. Even after the fire is under control, she expects a silver lining for local businesses.

“So there are contractors and builders and plumbers and everything, electricians that will be put back to work because of this tragedy. As tragic as it is, the building process will boost our economy just because of the situation that it is," Tokarysk said.

Emergency managers have now confirmed the Taylor Bridge fire has destroyed at least 57 homes and cabins, and damaged 10 more.

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