Soap Lake Fire 100 percent contained

SOAP LAKE — Although thousands of acres and one small outbuilding were burned by the Soap Lake Fire, the outcome could have been much different and officials are crediting firefighters at the scene for keeping it from getting out of hand.

“Thanks to the great work done by the local firefighters and the team work displayed by the mobilization resources the Soap Lake Fire is 100 percent contained,” Washington State Patrol Trooper Jeff Sevigney said Thursday morning.

Command of the fire was transferred back to Grant County Fire District No. 7 at noon on Thursday. Initial estimates put the size of the blaze, which broke out 4 miles north of Soap Lake along state Route 17 on Monday, at 2,063 acres. State fire mobilization was authorized by Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste early Tuesday morning and state resources started arriving that morning. Level 2 and 3 evacuation orders were issued by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office on Monday and Tuesday for 50 residents in the possible path of the fire.

The Northeast Washington Incident Management Team 2 (NEWIMT) took over command of the fire as state resources arrived. There was some flare ups and hot spots, but crews were able to stomp out and prevent any further fire growth.

“It was a great effort by everyone involved,” Richard Parrish, NEWIMT Incident Commander, said.

There was no reported injuries. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

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