Wind-driven fire engulfs home, cars and haystack near Tri-Cities. 2 evacuated

A rural home west of Kennewick was destroyed when gusting winds pushed a wildfire through extremely dry grass and brush Monday night.

Witnesses first spotted two to three fires burning by some railroad tracks about 10:30 p.m. near 47502 E. Badger Road, said Jenna Roberts, Benton County Fire District 1 public information officer.

Fire quickly engulfed a nearby house as well as several vehicles and other buildings on the property, she said. The flames also spread to a haystack.

Badger Road was shut down for a time while firefighters battled the blaze.

A fire danger warning already was in place in the Tri-Cities region because of recent high temperatures and winds. The wind speeds included gusts up to 22 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

In addition, there was no source of water in that area and firefighters needed to haul water to the site. Firefighting resources also are spread thin because of other regional fires, she said.

Benton County sheriff’s deputies evacuated a man and woman from the property. A dog may still be missing, Roberts said.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the property, which is surrounded by farm land, Roberts said.

In all, the fire burned about 40 acres.

Benton County Fire District 1 firefighters were still at the property Tuesday morning to monitor areas that are still smoldering, especially the haystack.

While the fire started near the railroad tracks, officials have not said whether a passing train was to blame for starting it.

This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM.