Fire scorches up to 1,400 acres
Smoke covers the area of a 1,200 to 1,400 acre wildland fire.
MOSES LAKE — High winds fanned flames to burn between 1,200 and 1,400 acres of wildland near McConihe Flats, three miles northwest of Moses Lake Sunday.
MOSES LAKE — High winds fanned flames to burn between 1,200 and 1,400 acres of wildland near McConihe Flats, three miles northwest of Moses Lake Sunday.
Chief Deputy Fire Marshal for Grant County Bruce Gribble determined the fire was caused by fireworks. He is forwarding a report to the prosecutor’s office but it was unknown how many people were responsible or who is suspected of starting the fire.
By 6:30 p.m. fire crews were mopping up areas and extinguishing hot spots, according to Kyle Foreman, public information officer for Grant County Emergency Management.
An evacuation order was given an hour earlier for about 50 homes north and west of Road D.5 Northeast and Road 7.8 Northeast.
The fire destroyed one home, one shop, an outbuilding and multiple vehicles, according to Foreman. A husband and wife are receiving assistance from the Apple Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Another fire started in southern Douglas County, near the Grant County line, causing extreme smoke conditions for Crescent Bar residents.
Foreman said residents were asked to take shelter in their homes and turn off air conditioning and outside ventilation until conditions improve.
Numerous wildland and brush fires were being reported throughout the Columbia Basin Sunday night.
Winds were between 21 and 31 mph Sunday. Gusts of 45 mph were reported at the Grant County International Airport Sunday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The winds blew down branches onto power lines, causing an electrical hazard on Yakima Street Sunday night. Power lines were also reported to be down by state Route 26.
Districts were fighting fires in various locations, including near Quincy, Road E.5, near Wilson Creek and Beverly Burke Road Southwest. Several fires threatened structures and parked vehicles throughout the evening.
Fire fighters were unavailable to provide more details about the numerous fires before the Columbia Basin Herald deadline.
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