Wash. state fire 40 percent contained

A fire in central Washington state that has charred more than 23,000 acres and burned 70 houses is slowly being contained, fire officials said Saturday. The Taylor Bridge fire was about 40 percent contained, KIRO-TV in Seattle reported. In spite of hot dry weather over the weekend, officials said 100 percent containment is likely by Monday. Some residents were allowed to return home, although 130 houses are still threatened by the fire, officials said. The blaze broke through a containment line Friday, with a spot fire burning about 100 acres. The fire broke out Monday near a bridge construction project and spread quickly, gutting 70 homes. No injuries had been reported by Friday. The blaze had spread across more than 23,000 acres Friday. The fire is in Kittitas County on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains.re