FIRE REPORT: 1,600 acres burned in Adams Co.
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 8 months AGO
Aerial photo of the aftermath of the Schrag Road Fire. NIFC estimates that 1,600 acres burned.
ACSO PHOTO
RITZVILLE — The Schrag Road Fire began at around 12:19 p.m. Tuesday. The fire burned 1,600 acres according to NIFC. It also leveled two older unopposed buildings, according to the Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office. ASCO believes the fire was started by a farmer mowing.
The Big Bend Electric Cooperative spent all of Wednesday replacing burned poles and restoring power to people after the brush fire.
Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner released a statement Thursday morning thanking everyone who helped extinguish the fire.
“Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable,” Wagner said in the release.
Largest Washington fires:
Retreat Fire – Washington’s largest fire. 45,601 acres. 85% containment. started at 4 p.m. July 14. Located about 14 miles southeast of Naches. 228 personnel.
Pioneer Fire – WA’s second-largest wildfire. 38,735 acres. 23% containment. Began around 1 p.m. June 8. Located 10 miles southeast of Stehekin. 401 personnel.
Cougar Creek Fire – WA’s third-largest fire. 24,091 acres. 80% contained. Blazed up at 8 p.m. July 15. Located south of Walla Walla. 226 personnel.
No new fires started Thursday.
One new fire contained Thursday:
Flat Creek Fire – 43 acres. 100% contained. Started Aug. 2. Located in Chelan County, near Flat Creek.
Other fires:
Easy Fire – 2,130 acres. 36% containment. Began 8 p.m. July 17. Located 17 miles west of Mazama along North Cascades Scenic Highway. 63 personnel.
Kachess Complex – consists of three fires. Stave Creek Fire: 12 acres, 35% contained. Thomas Fire: 9 acres, 95% contained. Waptus fire 0.5 acres, 100% contained. Started on Aug. 9. Located in the Cle Elum Ranger District of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. 155 personnel.
Lodgepole Fire – 35 acres. 6% contained. Started at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 12. Located 16 miles west of Cliffdell. 8 personnel on fire.
Miners Complex Fires – 1,100 acres. 0% containment. Began on July 17. Located 21 miles east of Darrington. Fire crew details unavailable.
Pincer Two Fire – 189 acres. 0% containment. Began on July 18. Located 1 mile east of Mineral Park. 15 personnel.
Ruby Fire – 959 acres. 0% containment. Began 7 a.m. Friday. Located in Whatcom County. 80 personnel.
Six Mile Fire – 113 acres. 90% containment. Began noon Sunday. Located in Ferry County near the head of Cottonwood Creek. 25 personnel.
Shoofly Fire – 104 acres. 63% contained. Ignited on July 8. Located 9 miles north of Stevens Pass. No crew information available.
Stranger Creek II Fire – 66 acres. 90% contained. Ignited 2:17 p.m. Sunday. Located in Ferry County. 79 personnel.
Sunshine Fire – 10 acres. 0% containment. Started 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. Located in Chelan county near sunshine canyon. No information on personnel.
Williams Mine Fire – 11,778 acres. 31% contained. Started noon Aug. 5. Located near Mount Adams Wilderness in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 154 personnel.
Upper Ruby Fire – 280 acres. 53% contained. Started 3:55 p.m. Tuesday. Located between Ruby Creek and Brown’s Lake. 257 personnel.
Other fires reported throughout the state have burned less than 10 acres and are not included in this report. The majority are less than 1 acre.
The Columbia Basin’s wildfire danger continues to be very high. The Grant County Sheriff’s office has asked area residents to be careful with anything that could cause a wildfire.
Air quality was good Thursday for the Columbia Basin.
SOURCES: InciWeb/NIFC/WildCAD/AirNow
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.