Fire near Soap Lake destroys property, hospitalizes one
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 9 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
‘Show up’
Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust
WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.
Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”
Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.