Gusty winds and high temperatures hampered efforts to control a fast-moving wildfire that has already destroyed 70 homes and burned across more than 40 square miles on the east slope of the Cascades.

 

The fire was burning on grassland, timber and sagebrush east of Cle Elum, about 75 miles east of Seattle.

 

At least 400 people have been evacuated, but no injuries were reported from the blaze. The fire began at a bridge construction site Monday afternoon.

 

Fire commanders estimated the Taylor Bridge fire has burned across at least 28,000 acres, or almost 44 square miles. It was not contained.

 

Gov. Chris Gregoire has declared a state of emergency for Kittitas and Yakima counties in response to a wildfire. 

 

The proclamation, issued Tuesday afternoon, was requested by the state Department of Natural Resources, and will allocate additional firefighting resources to the fast-moving wildfire. 

 

The department has requested air support from the Washington National Guard to assist in containment efforts

 

Because Gregoire is on vacation in Ireland, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen signed the proclamation at her request. Gregoire spokesman Cory Curtis says that Gregoire plans to be back in the state next week, but is getting hourly updates on the fire.