Saturday, April 11, 2026
44.0°F

1,100-acre fire contained near Grant-Kittitas border

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 3 weeks AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | May 19, 2025 6:49 PM

Correction: 5.21

“1,100-acre fire contained near Grant-Kittitas border” published May 19 has a correction regarding the title of Paul Noel, who is the Yakima Training Center Public Affairs Officer. 


ELLENSBURG — On Sunday afternoon, around 12:35 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to Bourne Springs for a fast-moving wildland fire at the Yakima Training Center.

“It occurred in an open training area, and it was caused due to training activities,” Yakima Training Center Public Affairs Officer Paul Noel said.

The fire was located near the Grant County and Kittitas County border, near Mattawa.

The fire spread quickly across the rugged terrain and was driven by gusty winds, according to Kittitas County Fire Protection District 6.

Despite the challenging conditions, firefighters from KCFPD6, Yakima Training Center Fire Department, Kittitas County Fire District 1, Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue and Kittitas County Fire District 7 worked together to swiftly contain the blaze.

“We are just grateful for the support we got with our partners,” Noel said.

The fire scorched around 1,100 acres before it was brought under control at around 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

No structures were ever at risk during the fire and no injuries occurred while suppressing the blaze, according to Noel.

“It was brought under control,” Noel said. “I think that’s always a successful end to a fire.”

The air quality in Mattawa, as well as the rest of Washington, is good, according to AirNow.

ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
April 10, 2026 12:13 p.m.

1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
April 9, 2026 5:32 p.m.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”

Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
April 9, 2026 3:15 a.m.

Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”