Fireworks ignite wildfire outside Ephrata
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 1 week AGO
The cause of an Ephrata area wildfire Saturday night is assumed to be firework related, according to Grant County Fire District 13 Assistant Chief Todd Hufman. Hufman wants to remind residents not to light off fireworks where there is vegetation.
COURTESY PHOTO/GCFD 13
A 10.5-acre fire started Saturday in the 1300 block of State Route 28 West. The blaze threatened a nearby trailer park and business but Grant County Fire District 13 was able to address the fire before any structures were damaged. Area residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution in dry conditions while using fireworks and observe all local and state laws.
EPHRATA – On Saturday evening at around 1:30 a.m., Grant County Fire District 13 was called out to the 1300 block of State Route 28 West for a wildfire. The cause is assumed to be fireworks, according to GCFD 13 Assistant Chief Todd Hufman.
“We found law enforcement was already on scene, and a fire on both sides of SR 28 on the west side is fairly small, and on the east side it was wind-driven,” Hufman said.
The district, with seven apparatus, worked to get the fire out in around ten minutes. However, firefighters remained on scene until around 4 a.m., completing the mop-up, Hufman said.
“It was a quick response, and we aggressively worked the fire to contain it quickly so it wouldn't get out of control and damage the nearby trailer park or other residences,” Hufman said.
The fire blazed around 10.5 acres and threatened businesses and a trailer park nearby. However, no structures or injuries occurred, according to Hufman.
“There's potential that it could have harmed a building, there's a trailer park just to the north of it, and residences and businesses directly to the south of it,” Hufman said. “The wind was kind of pushing in all directions, so there's high potential there, but we got it stopped.”
Hufman wants to remind people to be careful with fireworks, as it gets hotter and drier out, along with the Fourth of July coming up.
“If they decide to light off fireworks, they should do it in a safe, controlled area where there's no vegetation,” Hufman said. “Make sure there's a water source on site. If there's any vegetation whatsoever in the immediate area, they should not have fireworks there, not only to dry grass, but I think some people forget about the greens like yard ornament bushes, those are highly flammable, and people forget that.”
A 10.5-acre fire started Saturday in the 1300 block of State Route 28 West. The blaze threatened a nearby trailer park and business but Grant County Fire District 13 was able to address the fire before any structures were damaged. Area residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution in dry conditions while using fireworks and observe all local and state laws.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.