Highway 225 closed, homes evacuated by another 2-alarm fire near Benton City

A wildfire is threatening homes Tuesday afternoon and has shut down Highway 225 north of Benton City.

Firefighters were called about noon to the 3700 block of Wagon Wheel PR NW to what was initially reported to be a one-acre fire, according to dispatch reports.

There are reports that the fire is near Whan Road and Highway 225, according to Watch Duty.

Firefighters have asked the Washington State Patrol to close the highway until they get it under control. They also have said homes in the area have been threatened, and two power poles are on fire.

Benton County sheriff’s deputies are helping to evacuate people and animals in the area, according to dispatch reports.

Firefighters are also battling a lack of available water in the area when the power goes out.

There have been requests for wildland strike teams to help fight the blaze.

There is at least one farmworker being checked for smoke inhalation.

The current size of the fire has not been reported.

This is the second large fire that Benton City has faced in the last two weeks. The 820-acre Old Inland Empire fire destroyed five homes and 17 outbuildings on June 14.

This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 1:11 PM.