Cause of Mattawa-area fire still under investigation
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 hour, 45 minutes AGO
Crews were briefly called back Wednesday to Central Washington Wine Production Group facility near Mattawa, which was destroyed by fire Tuesday.
COURTESY PHOTO/GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | May 6, 2026 6:29 PM
MATTAWA — The cause of a fire that destroyed a Mattawa-area wine production facility Tuesday is still being determined.
“I’d say it’s still under investigation at this time,” said Derek Beach, deputy fire marshal for Grant County, Wednesday.
Fire crews were briefly called back to Central Washington Wine Production Group facility and tasting room Wednesday. The fire that destroyed the facility about three miles north of Mattawa was originally reported at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Crews were on the scene for most of Tuesday evening.
No injuries were reported. Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said Tuesday that employees were in the building when the fire started but were able to evacuate.
The winery’s owners said in a social media announcement that they were grateful to employees for their efforts to contain the fire before firefighters arrived.
“Their quick action and care for the facility reflect their dedication and commitment,” the winery release said.
Foreman said Tuesday that Grant County Fire District 8 crews saw smoke coming out of all four sides of the building when they responded. Firefighters from Grant County Fire District 3, Royal Slope Fire Rescue and EMS and the Hanford Fire Department also responded.
The facility held about 4.5 million gallons of wine, some in production, some in storage, and was the site of the company’s tasting room.
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MATTAWA — The cause of a fire that destroyed a Mattawa-area wine production facility Tuesday is still being determined. “I’d say it’s still under investigation at this time,” said Derek Beach, deputy fire marshal for Grant County, Wednesday. Fire crews were briefly called back to Central Washington Wine Production Group facility and tasting room Wednesday. The fire that destroyed the facility about three miles north of Mattawa was originally reported at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Crews were on the scene for most of Tuesday evening.
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