Soap Lake, Washington – Wildfire Sparked From a Burn Out of Control

Soap Lake, Washington (May 27, 2019) – A burn going out of control resulted in a wildfire on the 1600 block of Road B.5 Northeast. The wildfire eventually spread to a mobile home and several outbuildings. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the incident.

The fire was responded to by crews from the Grant County Fire Districts 7 and 13. The fire has been reported to be extinguished, but the amount of property damage has not been given. Fire officials are taking this incident as a reminder that an uncontrolled burn can spread rapidly.

About Fire

Washington counts as the 5th state most prone to wildfire from 2017 wildfire risk analysis, and ranks 8th in a 2018 study by number of fires that happened. The US Fire Administration has recorded 15 home fire fatalities this year within Washington, showing the destruction fire is capable of doing. Even within city areas, one must be wary of fires that can happen near residential areas.

If your home is near an area with risk of brush fire, there are few safety reminders to keep in mind. Homeowners are urged to complete their spring cleaning, and to create a defensible space around the home by clearing trees and brush. Additionally, the limbs of trees should be cut to at least 15 feet off the ground. Any object that send out fires should be handled with absolute care. Common objects such as lit matches and cigarette butts can also easily cause a fire within dry brush. Should fire be used in an outdoor space, one must assess the surroundings to make sure fire would not have a possibility to spread out. Finally, before leaving an area where fire was used, one must ensure that any fires must be extinguished completely. Preventing brush fires from happening is everyone’s responsibility, and careful use of fire can ensure the safety of not only one’s self, but hundreds of others.

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