Burbank, Wash. – On Sunday, Walla Walla County Fire District 5 responded to a brush fire on Monumental Road along the Snake River around 1:50 p.m.
According to Walla Walla County Fire District 5, the fire was larger than usual for this time of the year and required the support of several firefighters from around the region. Officials say Walla Walla County Fire Districts #3,#5, and #7 were dispatched in addition to Benton County Fire Districts #1,#2, and #4, Franklin County Fire Districts #3 and #5, The City of Pasco and The City of Richland supported efforts to put out the fire. Firefighters say that they required the resources of over 20 fire trucks to protect nearby structures.
Firefighters positioned fire trucks near affected homes as the fire climbed the hillside.
The fire burned 147 acres of land and threatened several homes in the area. By 5 p.m., it was controlled, with no injuries or property damage. Several electric poles were damaged, but no outages were reported in the area. Experts say that the residents in the area were saved largely by having good fire defenses around their homes.
Walla Walla County Fire District #5 is investigating the fire, and the cause is unknown at this time. The fire is believed to be wind-driven. Officials will remain on the scene for the evening to prevent the fire from spreading, as the smoke will continue to linger for about a day or so.
Firefighters would like to remind the public to prepare for their homes for the upcoming fire season and remember that local fire departments have resources to assist the public in determining if their home is safe and what steps to take.
