Benton City firefighters battling Webber Canyon blaze

Firefighters are battling a blaze along Webber Canyon Road south of Benton City.

People called 911 after spotting a plume of smoke shortly before 3 p.m. When firefighters arrived near the intersection with Dennis Road, they found 5 acres of grass and sagebrush burning.

The fire was threatening nearby agricultural land, and firefighters contained the blaze to the canyon by 5 p.m.

Multiple people reported seeing the smoke and calling 911.

Difficult terrain, limited access and poor radio reliability are expected to make the task of containing the fire last until the late evening, Benton County Fire District 2 said in a Facebook post.

“Rest assured that Benton City will remain protected through the tireless efforts of our volunteers and mutual aid partners,” the district’s post said. “However, please be aware of this and please be responsible with fireworks this evening.”