Fire burning near Mar Don
Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin HeraldA large wind-driven brush fire burned near Mar Don Resort Sunday afternoon. Several fire departments responded to the incident. Smoke could be seen from Moses Lake, Othello and Warden.
Crews trying to gain control Sunday night
MAR DON - People firing tracer rounds from a rifle started a wildland fire Sunday, burning an estimated 300 acres about 12 miles southwest of Moses Lake.
The fire was reported at 12:55 p.m. By Sunday night it was moving amongst rugged terrain burning sage brush and cheat grass in a recreation area south of the O'Sullivan Dam near the Mar Don Resort, according to Grant County Undersheriff John Turley, acting as a public information officer for firefighting efforts.
"It's going three or four different directions," said Turley. "It was creeping up Frenchman Hill and moving north."
Sunday evening the fire was moving south toward Morgan Lake Road in Adams County, north toward the Seeps Lake area and east.
"It's not taking long to cover ground because of the wind and it is very dry," said Turley. "It's at zero containment right now."
Fire crews from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Grant County Fire Districts 4, 5, 10 and 11, Adams County Fire District 4 are fighting the fire.
Two air tankers from the U.S. Forest Service were used to drop retardant on the fire, according to Kyle Foreman of Grant County emergency management.
There were no reports of injuries or structures being damaged Sunday evening.
"There's very little structures down there," said Turley. "There are mostly campers and fishers … but we don't believe anybody is in danger."
Deputies were investigating the cause of the fire after witnesses reported seeing three or four people firing a rifle where the fire began.
"There was a report of people shooting tracer rounds in the area. They attempted to try to put the fire out, but due to high winds it took off," said Turley.
The people responsible were identified, but their names were not being released.
Grant County Sheriff's Office is assisting with the fire perimeter, waiting to assist if evacuation is needed and helping with the command post.
By Sunday night, several roads were blocked by law enforcement, they were:
- Road H Southeast, between SR 262 and McManamon Road in Adams County
- Morgan Lake Road between SR 262 and McManamon Road in Adams County
Foreman asks people driving in the area to be aware of fire equipment using the roads.