Fire burns about 3 acres along Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A fire blackened about three acres and required a return visit from Moses Lake Fire Department crews Sunday afternoon. A press release from the city said the fire apparently was caused by an illegal campfire. 

No one was injured, and no homes were threatened.  

The fire was reported at about 3:15 p.m. Sunday along the shore of Moses Lake behind 1030 E. Broadway, near Broadway’s intersection with State Route 17.  

Light winds drove the fire through unimproved property covered with sagebrush. It was burning in rugged terrain that was difficult to access, according to the city statement.  

Battalion Chief David Holle said the fire was traced back to a small fire at what appeared to be a homeless camp. It was the third fire in less than a week with a possible connection to homeless camping, the statement said.  

The fire was reported out at about 4:25 p.m., but MLFD crews were called back later in the evening when the fire rekindled.

MLFD sent 12 firefighters, three brush rigs, two structure engines, a command vehicle, and two 2,000-gallon water tenders. Grant County Fire District 5 also responded with a 3,000-gallon water tender and a 2,000-gallon tactical water tender.  

Editor's note: This story is an update to our original coverage from Sunday with further information provided by the city.