Benton City Area Still Facing Fire Evacuation Threat

According to Benton Fire District 2, the fire threatened 48 homes but none were damaged or consumed.

  Level 2 Get Ready Evac Order Still in Place Near SR 225

 The fire was reported June 23rd, began as an acre, then rapidly spread, and so far has consumed 326 acres.  BCFD 2 released an update on the Wagon Wheel Fire, which originated in the 3700 block of Wagon Wheel PR (private road).

The blaze closed SR 225, so fire crews could get it under control and the smoke made driving conditions there dangerous.  The Fire District said 48 homes threatened, none damaged, 8 outbuildings were damaged out of 106 that were threatened.

   A Long List of Crews Worked the Blaze

According to BCFD 2, numerous agencies assisted:

“Benton County Fire District #1, Benton County Fire District #4, Benton County Fire District #5, West Benton Fire Rescue, Richland Fire Department, Pasco Fire Department, Hanford Fire Department, Franklin County Fire District #3, Franklin County Fire District #4, Franklin County Fire District #5, Walla Walla County Fire District #4, Walla Walla County Fire District #8, Walla Walla Fire Department, College Place Fire Department, and WADNR (Washington State Department of Natural Resources) all assisted with initial attack.”

That’s 15!  Especially in the realm of wildfire fighting now, throwing a knockout punch early seems to help blunt these blazes, especially if homes, structures and people are in dire danger.

  Aerial Units Also In Play

Several helicopters and an aerial tanker also attacked the initial blaze.

As for now, the Level 2 evac precaution remains, although the recent overnight rain helped along with cooler temps, windy conditions this weekend will not be good.