More residents in southern Washingtons were told to evacuate early Thursday, as a wildfire threatens homes and cabins in the Columbia River Gorge near White Salmon.

A spokesman for firefighters, Stan Hinatsu of the Forest Service, said a total of about 450 houses are threatened by the fire.

The fire started Wednesday afternoon along Highway 141 and is burning trees and grassy areas. The fire started in multiple spots. The exact cause has not been determined, but the spokesman says it could have been sparks from a car.

About 150 firefighters are on the scene with more arriving Thursday, concerned the fire may spread in dry conditions.

So far, the fire has burned across more than 2 square miles - or 1,500 acres - of timber, brush and dry grass.