Wind whips up 2 Richland delta fires. 145 acres already burned on Columbia Point
Firefighters worked through a second evening battling fires on the Yakima River delta and Columbia Point.
Crews are trying to determine what started the 145-acre blaze across the river from a smoldering 85-acre fire along Highway 240, said Richland fire Capt. Scott Clemenson.
Wind and Thursday’s warm temperatures spurred the fire on the point that began about 4 p.m., firefighters said.
Firefighters are working hard to clear brush near the Columbia Point fire as temperatures are predicted to hit 85 and winds are expected to reach 12 to 20 mph, Clemenson said.
Weather forecasters are warning that windy conditions could make it easy for any outdoor burning and campfires to get out of control.
While the wildlife in the area of the Columbia Point fire were disrupted, Clemenson said they’re normally good about getting away from the flames.
“I’ve seen a number of deer this morning and they’ve all been happy and healthy standing in the green area,” he said.
The two Richland blazes sent smoke over Highway 240 from Richland to Kennewick and Interstate 182 from Richland to Pasco. Fire officials also asked boaters to stay off the river in those areas.
Fire crews remain on site working to contain the fires that are expected to continue to burn and smolder for a month in the tangled underbrush and wetland areas at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia rivers.
Richland fire investigators are still not sure what sparked the original blaze about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday near the end of a small animal passageway under Highway 240 north of the Richland “Y.”
The fires have put on a dramatic light show both nights but have not burned any buildings.
Richland Battalion Chief Brenda Rodgers said the first fire is not growing, but there is still brush that has not burned in the contained area so there are flareups.
The bike path paralleling Highway 240 is shut down between the Ben Franklin Transit Center and through Columbia Point because the fire may have weakened trees in the area. It’s expected to be closed for at least a week until it’s safe for crews to clear any hazards.
City crews are posting signs to tell people to avoid the area.
There also are hot ashes that are still in the burned woodland areas that could spread or hurt someone.
No one has been hurt and no structures are threatened in either fire.
This story was originally published April 29, 2021 at 6:04 PM.