Fire put out quickly by GCFD3 and BLM crews
A fire burned about two acres near Frenchman Coulee Tuesday evening. A caller to the Multiagency Communications Center - often referred to as MACC 9-1-1 - said they believed it may have been caused by fireworks, but no official cause is yet determined for the fire.
FILE PHOTO
VANTAGE — A fire at the Frenchman Coulee climbing area was quickly put out Tuesday night but had initially prompted a Level 3 evacuation notice.
Just before 6 p.m. a Level 3 evacuation notice was issued by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said the notice was issued so people in the area knew to calmly leave it immediately and to prevent others from heading into the area who weren’t already there. The fire was under control and out by about 7 p.m. at which point the evacuation was lifted. There were no reports of any structure damage or injuries, Foreman said.
“It’s best (to) pull that (evacuation) trigger earlier than later and find out you're too late,” said Grant County Fire District 3 Chief Tony Leibelt.
Foreman said a 911 call came in about 5:30 p.m. alerting authorities to the fire and that it could possibly be due to fireworks. Foreman said the cause was not confirmed and would be investigated by the proper authorities.
Leibelt said the fire occurred from the Feathers parking lot down to the area on the other side of Vantage Road. The land affected was about two acres and is Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife land.
GCFD3 was the initial attack with the Bureau of Land Management aiding, Leibelt said. He added that BLM crews are still in the area as of Wednesday afternoon, keeping an eye so that nothing reignites.
“Mutual aid partners and interlocal interactions are key to keeping these fires as small as possible,” said Leibelt.
With summer recreation in full swing Leibelt advises people to be careful, especially with towing trailers. Leibelt said mechanical problems such as wheel bearings failing, dragging chains and parking hot cars in dry grass seem to be an ongoing issue that sparks fires.
“Be very aware of the wildland,” Leibelt said.
Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.