Wapato, Washington – Series of Brush Fires on Donald Wapato Road

Wapato, Washington (June 24, 2019) – A brush fire which broke out on Monday is the latest incident among a number of brush fires which have erupted in the area of Donald Wapato Road over the last three weeks. Fortunately, no one has been injured in any of the incidents the most recent fire has been allowed to go on as a control burn in the area.

According to the Yakima County Fire District 5 the latest brush fire started around 9:30 a.m. It has been reported that the authorities have decided to let an area of 15 acres burn. It was also stated that the area was being controlled in hopes of stopping future brush fires.

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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