Fire destroys home, forces evacuations near Benton City. Crews brace for more
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Benton County fire burned 820.5 acres and destroyed at least one residence.
- State mobilization resources and a strike team were deployed to assist local crews.
- Prosser High School served as an evacuation relief area but did not house residents.
A raging wildfire tore through dry grassland between Benton City and Prosser on Sunday night, consuming at least one home, killing power to thousands and forcing many residents in the area to evacuate.
Fire crews from the Benton County Fire and other agencies managed to contain it overnight but were bracing on Monday for a second wave of trouble fueled by expected gusting winds.
Peak gusts from Benton City to Prosser are forecast to reach 28 mph during the day and 30 mph at night, according to the National Weather Service.
Firefighters will be stationed around the area on Tuesday, and two helicopters are on standby to offer any additional help if needed.
The fire ignited Sunday afternoon near the Old Inland Empire Highway between Benton City and Prosser, scorching about 820 acres in the Lower Yakima Valley.
By 9:15 p.m., emergency officials were forced to issue a Level 3 evacuation notice, and damage from the fire had wiped out power to over 6,000 Prosser residents.
An hour later about 10 p.m. the evacuation warning had been lowered to a Level 2, be set to leave.
The initial fire started near West Knox Road and North Case Road, eventually jumping the Yakima river and reaching the south side near Interstate 82. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Later Sunday night, the Red Cross worked with Prosser High School to organize an evacuation relief area for residents forced out of their homes.
About 30 individuals were at the shelter from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., according to Prosser High School Principal Bryan Bailey.
“It started as an evacuation center, then we realized American Red Cross was able to find locations for the displaced families,” Bailey said. “So, we didn’t end up housing anybody here (Sunday) night.”
Prosser High will continue to be an evacuation center if needed Tuesday.
One home at 61901 Old Inland Empire Highway burned, but no other information was released on the number of other buildings damaged. Farm equipment, vehicles and outbuildings also were reportedly destroyed.
A recent graduate from Prosser High lost their home in the fire, though it wasn’t clear Monday where that home was located.
“Our former student had just graduated,” Bailey said. “You have the real high moment of graduation and now followed by this.”
“We got state mobilization resources, and last night, we got an immediate needs strike team in to start giving relief to our local crews,” Dennis Bates said, head chief of Benton Country Fire District 2. The extra fire crews were planning to stay in the area the gusting winds don’t spread embers.
The main priority for the fire department now is to ensure fire lines hold, Bates said.
“We have a red flag warning for tomorrow, which is bringing high winds and low relative humidity,” Bates said. “So, we have to get this tight (Monday night) so nothing jumps containment.”
Benton City’s Chamber of Commerce has organized a donation for those who lost their homes in the fire. They are actively collecting clothing, home goods, food, bathroom essentials and anything else that may be helpful for struggling families.
The chamber president and events coordinator for Shara Morgan said those who are able can drop off goods at the main office at 513 9th St. or connect with her to coordinate donations by calling the office at 509-588-4984.
Only two years ago, Morgan and her family lost their house in a fire.
“It was crazy,” Morgan said. “The amount of support from the community here still gives me goosebumps. It’s such a small town, and everyone rallies together.”
Neighbors, friends and families have taken in livestock and pets for the displaced families, Morgan said.
This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 6:19 PM with the headline "Fire destroys home, forces evacuations near Benton City. Crews brace for more."
