Soap Lake Fire evacuations lifted

SOAP LAKE — Even with a few flare-ups and hot spots popping up overnight, evacuation notices for the Soap Lake Fire were lifted Wednesday morning.

Night shift crews battling the blaze, dubbed the “Soap Lake Fire,” Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning reported smoke and hot spots inside the fire perimeter overnight.

“Day Shift resources will be working to cool those hot spots and respond to any other areas of concern. Firefighters will also be using GPS devices to more accurately map the fire perimeter,” stated public information officer Trooper Jeff Sevigney on Wednesday.

The fire broke out about 4:30 p.m. along state Route 17, four miles north of Soap Lake. Strong winds caused the fire to rapidly grow and Grant County Fire District No. 7 requested mutual aid from all local agencies.

“Firefighters from numerous state, federal and local agencies battled the fire through the night and into the early morning hours. Their efforts saved numerous homes and outbuildings that were threatened. Level 2 and 3 evacuation orders were issued for approximately 50 residents in the area,” Sevigney said.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized state fire resources, per the request of GCFD No 7 Chief Kirk Sheppard, about 12:45 a.m. Tuesday morning. The Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 2 took control of the fire and state resources arrived throughout the day on Tuesday, bringing the total number of personnel at the scene to about 200.

The evacuation notices that were previously sent by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office were lowered Tuesday afternoon and lifted on Wednesday. At least one outbuilding was destroyed. There has been no reports of injuries.

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