Multiple agencies contain Beezley Hill fire

Fire near Ephrata exhausts local resources

EPHRATA — A 350 acre fire on the northeast side of Beezley Hill in Ephrata was fully contained by 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

"It took training, skill, luck and prayers," Grant County Fire District No. 13 Chief Shane Heston said.

The fire began in the sage and brush covered area Monday afternoon and was previously reported at being 500 acres in size.

Four houses were in immediate danger of the fire, Heston said.

He said he heard one residence suffered minor damages but was unable to confirm.

"We had a great save on all those houses," Heston said. "It came so close, it was a miracle."

He said the residents are back in their homes and there were no injuries.

Several agencies were called to the scene to handle the fire including the Ephrata Fire Department, Moses Lake Fire Department, Soap Lake Fire Department, Grant County Fire District No. 3, Grant County Fire District No. 5 and Grant County Fire District No. 7.

Approximately 60 local firefighters fought the grass and shrub fire with 40 pieces of equipment, including air support from a crop duster, he said.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday night the local firefighter resources were completely exhausted causing a need for emergency mobilization.

"We used every piece of equipment available," he said.

Approximately 70 state personnel from across Washington state were called to the scene with more equipment, Heston said.

State crews were expected to have the scene mopped up by Tuesday night, he added.

The state agencies assisted to allow local firefighters to rest and recoup and to supply additional resources.

The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation by the Grant County Fire Marshal's Office.

Heston added, local businesses and community members supplied free food and beverages to the firefighters who were working non-stop at the scene.