Ponderosa Evacuees Told They Can Return Home

SPOKANE — Evacuees living in the Ponderosa have been told they can return home .

Spokane County Sheriff Sgt. Dave Reagan told neighbors Friday morning they will need valid identification to return to the Ponderosa neighborhood. This is a level 2 evacuation notice and could be required to evacuate again if the situation changes.

Sgt. Reagan Reagan reported the Park Hills neighborhood -16th to 24th West of Dishman is still closed as well as 8th and Dishman. Reagan says the closed areas are considered hot and will remain closed for evidence gathering.

Sgt. Reagan said the goal Friday will be to secure the area around the fire, make sure the evacuated areas remain closed, and protect firefighters.

Spokane Valley Fire spokesperson, Bill Clifford reported Friday morning the fire is not out and smoke and flames are still visible. Incident commander Steve Jones reported Friday morning the fire is 10-percent contained.

1,200 acres have burned in the Valley View Fire.