PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Yakima County officials issued a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notice Saturday evening after a fire broke out in the area earlier in the day.

Officials say the Slide Ranch Fire started at around 3:45 p.m. near the town of White Swan. It is estimated to be around 300 acres and growing.

They add it is burning in grass, brush and heavy timber, threatening homes in the area.

According to fire officials, the evacuation area applies to those within the intersection of Fort Road and Tecumseh heading south on Tecumseh to the intersection of Tecumseh Road and Pumphouse Road. The evacuation then runs west on Pumphouse Road to Signal Peak Road, then north on Signal Peak to Fort Road, then east on Fort Road to Tecumseh Road.

The fire’s cause is currently under investigation.

Stay with KOIN 6 news as this story develops.