It got a little scary last night in Kennewick as the Locust Grove fire spread across 397 and Olympia Avenue. My home is on 29th and Olympia, and it was a stressful night for my neighbors.
Overnight Fire Scare: See the Timeline of Kennewick’s Locust Grove Fire
Shout out to our first responders. In a posting from the Benton County Fire Department District #1, here is the timeline of last night’s fire in Kennewick.
9:20 p.m.
What started as a vegetation fire on Finley Rd. has involved at least one structure.
Vegetation fire in the area of 395/I-82 and Locust Grove.
Vegetation fire in the area of Bateman Rd/Owens.
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9:50 p.m.
The fires on Locust Grove and Bateman are the same fire, the Locust Grove Fire. 30 acres and spreading. If you live in the area of 397 and Olympia, be fire aware and consider preparing to evacuate.
9:54 p.m.
Residents in INSPIRATION ESTATES should GO NOW.
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Locust Grove Fire Evacuation area – Red area is under a Level 3 Go Now, and the yellow area is under a Level 2 be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The American Red Cross is working to establish a location for a temporary evacuation center.
An American Red Cross Temporary Evacuation Center is being opened at the GESA Carousel of Dreams located at 2901 Southridge Blvd. in Kennewick.
As of 1:08 a.m., the Locust Grove Fire is under control.
As of 1:30 a.m., all Level 3 Evacuations previously issued have been reduced to a Level 2 Evacuation. Residents may return home if they choose but are urged to remain cautious and prepared to leave if the situation should change or escalate.
All previously issued Level 2 evacuations have been reduced to a Level 1 Evacuation. If you leave the area, you may return home, but be cautious and remain prepared in case the situation changes.
Expect to see crews mopping up and monitoring containment lines throughout the day on Friday.
Thanks to the Benton County Fire District #1 for providing the above information to us. You can get more updates on the fire as they happen here.
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Gallery Credit: Rik Mikals