Wildfire closes I-90 between George and Vantage

GEORGE — An accidental fire near George caused a headache for Interstate 90 travelers on Sunday.

The fire started about 6 p.m. about 11 miles west of George, between I-90 and the Columbia River. Strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and the decision was initially made to close only the westbound I-90 lanes, but both directions of travel were later closed between Adams Road and state Route 26 due to the proximity of the fire to the highway.

Several fire agencies from around Grant County sent crews to assist Grant County Fire District No. 3 in combating the fire. A Level 2 evacuation notice was sent out by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office for people in the Old Vantage Highway camp area about 8:45 p.m.. A Level 2 notice indicates there is a significant risk to an area and the fire is moving closer. Deputies were able to notify all campers in the area and there were no reported injuries or structures destroyed.

The fire was contained about 9:30 p.m. Eastbound I-90 reopened about 9 p.m. and westbound opened about 9:30 p.m. The sheriff’s office estimated the size of the fire at about 1,000 acres and determined the cause was an accidental spark from a barbecue. No criminal charges are expected.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste approved fire resource mobilization for the fire, but as of Monday afternoon there were no resource requests.

“The mobilization request is open to help provide additional statewide resources if needed,” the sheriff’s office explained.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.