Brush fire engulfs house in Ephrata
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 4 weeks AGO
One house was fully scorched, and another had external damage in Ephrata after a wildland fire spread into the structures, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Officer Kyle Foreman. The fire, as of 2 p.m. Thursday is in mop-up and no longer spreading.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
The responding agencies to the Thursday wildland fire in Ephrata were Ephrata Fire Department, Grant County Fire District 13, Grant County Fire District 7, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Ephrata Police Department and the Washington Department of Transportation.
EPHRATA – There was a report made of a brush fire in the 2200 block of Basin Street in Ephrata at around 12 p.m. Thursday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. When crews arrived on scene, it was discovered that there was a house involved in the fire.
“The one occupant of the house was rescued safely by sheriff’s deputies and Ephrata Police officers,” Foreman said.
According to radio traffic the individual was transported to Quincy Valley Medical Center to receive further care. Foreman said there aren’t any confirmed injuries or fatalities as yet. More information will be released as crews finish mop up and investigate the scene.
The blaze also caused traffic to be temporarily rerouted from Basin Street, or State Route 28, according to Ephrata Police Department Chief Erik Koch. However, the road has been re-opened with alternating traffic as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
“Please drive slowly and carefully, we still have fire personnel working on the fire,” Foreman said.
The fire is under mop up, which means it’s no longer spreading as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
“The fire is essentially out, but firefighters are working right now to put out any hot spots,” Foreman said.
Crews will likely be working on extinguishing the fire for the next handful of hours, he added.
The home that caught on fire is a total loss, Foreman said. There was one other home that sustained exterior damage due to the heat.
The responding agencies were Ephrata Fire Department, Grant County Fire District 13, Grant County Fire District 7, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Ephrata Police Department and the Washington Department of Transportation. MACC 911 helped coordinate the response to the fire.
The responding agencies to the Thursday wildland fire in Ephrata were Ephrata Fire Department, Grant County Fire District 13, Grant County Fire District 7, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Ephrata Police Department and the Washington Department of Transportation.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.