Local

Evacuations lifted after 600-acre Nine Canyon Fire south of Tri-Cities

By Tri-City Herald staff

Fire crews battled a growing brushfire south of the Tri-Cities Friday night into Saturday morning.

The fire was first reported around 11:30 p.m. in the area of State Route 397 and Nine Canyon Road, south of Kennewick, according to Benton County Fire District 1.

A firefighter walks along the fireline while another crew member monitors advancing flames during the Nine Canyon Fire on Saturday morning near Kennewick. Crews worked through the night as strong winds drove the wildfire toward Finley.
A firefighter walks along the fireline while another crew member monitors advancing flames during the Nine Canyon Fire on Saturday morning near Kennewick. Crews worked through the night as strong winds drove the wildfire toward Finley. Scott Hunt, Special to the Herald

When crews arrived they found a 50-acre, wind driven fire in natural vegetation threatening homes. Nine Canyon Road runs north to south from Haney Road in Finley.

Emergency crews stage near homes threatened by the Nine Canyon Fire on Saturday morning near Kennewick. Evacuation notices were issued for nearby residents as firefighters worked to slow the wildfire’s advance toward Finley.
Emergency crews stage near homes threatened by the Nine Canyon Fire on Saturday morning near Kennewick. Evacuation notices were issued for nearby residents as firefighters worked to slow the wildfire’s advance toward Finley. Scott Hunt, Special to the Herald

Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies helped nearby residents evacuate to a shelter staged at Finley Middle School.

By 8 a.m. the fire had grown to about 600 acres, but crews had it 90% contained.

Support crews from Walla Walla County Fire District 6 responded along the fireline during the Nine Canyon Fire on Saturday morning near Kennewick. Wildland strike teams from around the region assisted local fire departments as crews battled the wind-driven wildfire.
Support crews from Walla Walla County Fire District 6 responded along the fireline during the Nine Canyon Fire on Saturday morning near Kennewick. Wildland strike teams from around the region assisted local fire departments as crews battled the wind-driven wildfire. Scott Hunt, Special to the Herald

Evacuations were lifted Saturday morning.

No structures were lost and no injuries were reported, but Fire District 1 said some property was damaged.

Firefighters battle the Nine Canyon Fire along South Nine Canyon Road early Saturday morning near Kennewick. Strong winds pushed the fast-moving wildfire northeast toward Finley, prompting evacuation notices and bringing in wildland strike teams from across the region.
Firefighters battle the Nine Canyon Fire along South Nine Canyon Road early Saturday morning near Kennewick. Strong winds pushed the fast-moving wildfire northeast toward Finley, prompting evacuation notices and bringing in wildland strike teams from across the region. Scott Hunt, Special to the Herald

The Benton County Sheriff’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Firefighters battle the Nine Canyon Fire along South Nine Canyon Road early Saturday morning near Kennewick. Strong winds pushed the fast-moving wildfire northeast toward Finley, prompting evacuation notices and bringing in wildland strike teams from across the region.
Firefighters battle the Nine Canyon Fire along South Nine Canyon Road early Saturday morning near Kennewick. Strong winds pushed the fast-moving wildfire northeast toward Finley, prompting evacuation notices and bringing in wildland strike teams from across the region. Scott Hunt, Special to the Herald

Fire District 1 was assisted by Franklin County Fire District 3, Franklin County Fire District 4, Kennewick Fire, Pasco Fire, Richland Fire, Benton County Fire District 2, Franklin County Fire District 5, Benton County Fire District 4, West Benton Fire Rescue, Red Cross, and Kennewick Police Department.

Related Stories from Tri-City Herald
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW