Richland, Washington – Wind Spreads a Neighbor’s Fire to House and Car

Richland, Washington (April 4, 2019) – A homeowner’s fire got out of control after the wind took the embers to shrubs in a neighboring house, before spreading to a house, car, and utility pole. The incident started with the homeowner burning weeds at his house on Cedar Avenue, but the fire spread because of the wind, affecting his neighbor’s property. Richland firefighters responded around 4 p.m., and the fire was quickly extinguished.

In the aftermath, the side of the house was burned but not structurally damaged. No other damage to property has been detailed, and no injuries were reported. Richland firefighters gave a reminder that it is too windy to burn outdoors.

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. Everyone should exercise caution, especially with the unusually warm temperatures that the region has been seeing lately. A lot of brush fires happen near homes, and left unchecked, fire can easily spread to any structure.

In another brush fire incident, a speaker from the Eastside Fire and Rescue has mentioned a few reminders on how to prevent brush fire. 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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