Fire near Soap Lake destroys property, hospitalizes one
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 11 months AGO
Vehicles, a trailer and multiple outbuildings were damaged by a fire just east of Soap Lake Tuesday night. Two people were injured, one of whom had to go to Columbia Basin Hospital for treatment.
R. HANS MILLER/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Shrubland near several homes burned and multiple small structures were damaged in what has been dubbed the Road 20 Fire Tuesday night.
SOAP LAKE —The Road 20 Fire, which began at about 10 p.m. Tuesday near Soap Lake, has been determined to be caused by 25-year-old David Teslyuk, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire burned a little more than 57 acres near Road 20 and Road B.5 NE. The fire was contained by 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday night. Road 20 was reopened to traffic after the fire was contained. Witnesses reported to GSCO that Teslyuk started the fire while burning trash outside. He has since been arrested and is being held at the Grant County Jail on charges of first-degree reckless burning.
GCSO states that the charge's severity is due to the significant amount of property damage caused by the fire and the serious injury sustained by an individual because of the blaze.
Upon arrival at the scene, the Grant County Fire District 7’s Fire Chief Chris Baker reported a 20-acre fire burning in light, flashy fuels with a moderate rate of spread according to the GCFD 7 press release. The fire threatened structures in its path, posing a direct risk to property and individuals in the area.
Preliminary assessments conducted by GCFD 7 indicate the fire resulted in damage to six vehicles, four RVs, seven buildings and one home. One homeowner sustained injuries and is currently hospitalized at Columbia Basin Hospital for smoke inhalation.
Additionally, a pregnant woman was evaluated by paramedics at the scene, but declined further medical attention, as reported by GCSO.
The responding agencies include Grant County Fire District 5, Grant County Fire District 12, Grant County Fire District 13, Grant County Fire District 7 EMS, Ephrata Fire Department, Ephrata Police Department, LifeLine Ambulance, Soap Lake Police Department, GCSO Grant County Emergency Management, Grant County Fire Marshall’s Office and MACC 911.
The Grant County Fire Marshal's Office has issued a reminder to residents that a burn ban is in effect to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Shrubland near several homes burned and multiple small structures were damaged in what has been dubbed the Road 20 Fire Tuesday night.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.
Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting
EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.
Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.