‘Very high’ fire conditions leads to several Tri-Cities brush fires. One burned 18 hours
Firefighters responding to a call in Finley on Sunday found two separate fires.
Due to “very high” fire danger conditions, the two fires rapidly spread, combining to burn 115 acres, according to a social media post from Benton County Fire District #1.
At about 10:48 p.m. firefighters arrived on scene at South Meals Road and Ayers Road in Finley to find the separate fires burning in the brush and grass.
They were on site for more than 18 hours, according to fire district Capt. Ron Fryer
It took about 35 firefighters to get the blaze under control. Fryer said that Fire District 1 was assisted by Benton County Fire District 2, Benton County Fire District 4, Kennewick Fire Department, Richland Fire Department, Pasco Fire Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office for traffic control.
The last units cleared the scene just before 8 p.m. Sunday.
There were no injuries, and no structures were threatened. Officials are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
Fryer said in the social media post that when the fire danger level is “very high,” fires will start more easily and spread rapidly, with a quick increase in intensity right after ignition. He said that with the hottest temperatures of the year predicted this week, the fire district is asking everyone to be extra cautious.
Fire risk
As of Monday morning, Benton County had set the fire risk for Benton County to “very high” until further notice.
That means public, outdoor burning is not allowed, except for recreational fires within a metal fire ring.
“Very high” fire risk means fires will spread faster than suppression resources can travel and flame lengths will be long with high intensity, combining to make controlling fires very difficult.
In such conditions, suppression and mop-up will require extended and thorough efforts, meaning firefighters will need to remain on scene for much longer.
It is the second highest fire danger, with “extreme” conditions being the highest.
Anyone with questions about burning, should call the Benton Clean Air Agency at 509-783-1304. Anyone planning on igniting a burn pile must call beforehand, regardless of whether it is residential or agricultural.
This story was originally published July 25, 2022 at 10:08 AM with the headline "‘Very high’ fire conditions leads to several Tri-Cities brush fires. One burned 18 hours."
