Volunteers prove their value with quick action

GEORGE - A farmer and a communications operation learned of the value of dedicated, well-trained volunteer firefighters last Friday afternoon.

Quick action by firefighters from various points in Grant County extinguished of a 50-acre wildland fire in rapid order and saved hundreds of acres of wheat and a communications tower.

According to Kyle Foreman of Grant County Emergency Management, the fire was reported at about 11:30 a.m. It was declared under control at about 3:30 p.m. All that was left to do was "mop up," Foreman said.

The fire occurred on the south side of Interstate 90 about five miles west of George or about one mile east of the Wild Horse Monument.

Forty firefighters, including 34 volunteers, responded to the call. They came from Grant County Fire District No. 3 (Quincy), No. 10 (Royal City) and No. 13 (rural Ephrata).

"These guys are really talented at what they do," Foreman said.

The cause of the fire was not known on Friday. Foreman said it seemed to start along the south side of the roadway near mile post 141 and burned up a steep draw, consuming sagebrush and dry grass.

Foreman said the firefighters set up a fire line between the fire and the wheat field as soon as they arrived. He added that it was quite a task because of soil conditions.

"It was St. Helens ash soil," he said. "It was like walking in talcum powder."

Incident Commander Lt. Dale Hille from Quincy lauded the firefighters. He said their teamwork and cooperation made the quick success possible.

According to Foreman, there were no injuries and no loss of valued property. He said no homes or buildings were threatened.