Dozens of homes and businesses in parts of central and eastern Washington have been destroyed by a massive wildfire which has engulfed thousands of acres since it began on Sunday.

According to Weather.com, hundreds of families have been evacuated since the fire called Sleepy Hollow began on Sunday afternoon just outside of Wenatchee, Washington. Strong winds reportedly helped the fire's spread toward Wenatchee.

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AP reported that at least 1,000 people have left their homes. Early Monday morning, over 155 people checked into a Red Cross shelter at Eastmont High School.

The Chelan County Emergency Management office spokesperson Rich Magnussen said "We've got hundreds of homes under evacuation notices."

As firefighters worked to bring the flame under control, rains on Monday offered temporary respite from searing conditions that boosted the fire's spread. However, meteorologists have warned that the relief offered by rains would be temporary as they predict the persistence of hot and dry conditions for the days ahead.

Although no residents have been reported injured, there are records that three about firefighters have sustained minor injuries. More than 27 houses have been destroyed by the fire. There are fears that this number may increase once crews have the situation under control.

On Monday morning, the Chelan County Emergency Management issued a shelter-in-place following an ammonia leak which started after fire destroyed a fruit warehouse. Officials later announced that the ammonia leakage was no longer a threat as it had dissipated.

The Blue Bird warehouse, which utilizes ammonia for cold storage, was one of the few businesses engulfed by the fire. Other chemical tanks, which were stored in the warehouse, also caught fire.

Michelsen Packaging, Northern Wholesale Inc, was among other commercial businesses in the area that were destroyed by the fire.

The exact cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. However, according to AP, the blaze is believed to have started on the edge of town. And it may have gathered momentum due to drought conditions.

Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation allowing state resources to be easily employed in response to wildfires.

Peter Goldmark, Washington State Lands Commissioner, had previously banned all outdoor fires on all state lands under the protection of the Natural Resources department. To prevent another fire outbreak like Sleepy Hollow, campfires have also been banned at all state controlled ocean beaches and parks.

TagsWashington Wildfire, Sleepy Hollow