Quincy Lakes Fire grows to 280 acres, evacuation level reduced

QUINCY — A wildfire in the Quincy Lakes and Ancient Lakes area had grown to 280 acres as of Sunday afternoon, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, while evacuation levels were reduced from Level 3 to Level 2.

The Quincy Lakes Fire was first reported at about 10:13 p.m. Saturday as a 4- to 5-acre vegetation fire in the Quincy Lakes area. Fire resources responded to the scene and law enforcement was requested for possible localized evacuations, according to radio traffic reports.

As the fire grew, Incident Command requested a Level 3, or "Go," evacuation for the Quincy Lakes area. The Grant County Sheriff's Office subsequently issued a Level 3 evacuation order for all of Ancient Lakes, advising residents and visitors to leave immediately because of an immediate threat to life and safety.

Fire growth continued overnight. Watch Duty reported the fire at 15 acres shortly after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, citing WildCAD. By 12:54 a.m. Sunday, the fire was estimated at 100 acres. The National Interagency Fire Center later reported the fire at 200 acres Sunday morning before increasing the estimate to 280 acres by midday.

At about 12:42 p.m. Sunday, the Grant County Sheriff's Office downgraded the evacuation status for Ancient Lakes from Level 3 to Level 2, meaning residents should remain prepared to leave if conditions worsen.

As of Sunday afternoon, the fire remained active. No containment percentage had been reported.

Officials continue to monitor conditions and have advised the public to watch for updates from emergency management and fire agencies.