State of emergency declared over Rattlesnake Ridge fissure

UNION GAP, Wash. — Yakima County declared a State of Emergency Tuesday regarding the landslide experts say could break loose next month near Union Gap.

Commissioners say the declaration will allow them to respond quicker if something does happen.

Authorities continue to work on evacuating animals that belong to residents forced to leave their homes.

Six dogs and two horses were evacuated Monday and Tuesday.

Because 120 chickens were onsite, some will stay behind until they can find housing for all of them.

“Picking up animals that are left behind from the residents, they are coming here to feed their animals and that’s a safety issue,” said Lisa Trulicka, Yakima County Emergency Management. “The main goal is their safety and of course the safety of their pets.”

The animals are going to local care facilities and horse stables, and the rest are awaiting placement.

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