Sheriff: Up to 100 Homes Lost in Washington State Fire

Calmer winds and cooler temperatures are allowing firefighters to go on the offensive against a giant wildfire burning in Washington State.

 

The Carlton Complex of fires in north-central Washington had grown to 379 square miles on Monday.

 

But fire spokesman Andrew Sanbri says there is optimism that fire crews can start containing the flames in the scenic Methow Valley.

 

Meanwhile, Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers says a man has died of an apparent heart attack will protecting his home from the flames. Rogers says 67-year-old Rob Koczewski was stricken while he and his wife were hauling water and digging fire lines on Saturday.

 

Rogers says Koczewski was a retired Washington State Patrol trooper and U.S. Marine.   (AP)