Multiple fires over the weekend in Grant County

EPHRATA — Firefighters from Grant County Fire District 13 responded to several wildfires over the last week, according to a statement from the fire district.

Most of the fires were controlled burns that got out of hand, GCFD 13 Fire Chief Jim Stucky told the Columbia Basin Herald.

“If you're going to do a controlled burn, have your water there and completely watch it till it’s out. Out-out,” Stucky said. “Some of these people may have been thinking, ‘It's not gonna go anywhere. We'll just go in the house and do whatever.’ (Then) the neighbors call and say, ‘Hey, it’s coming at my house. Come put a fire out, please.'”

The countywide burn ban was lifted Oct. 1, which means people are burning garbage and tumbleweeds, Stucky said, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to be careful. He added that while burning leaves and natural vegetation is legal, lumber and other processed wood is not legal to burn under EPA regulations.

The recent wet weather may have made some people overconfident about controlled burns, he said.

“The rain that we just got is going to help,” he said. “The moisture’s here, but (stuff still) can burn, so just be super-cautious and expect the unexpected … Be courteous to your neighbors too, because sometimes the smoke will get over there and bother (them). Always be vigilant that way.”

Joel Martin may be reached at jmartin@columbiabasinherald.com.