Update, 5 pm: Updated report with photo of Eng. 31 HERE.
A WILDFIRE WEST OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON, sprang up Sunday afternoon and has grown overnight. The fire has burned down at least three homes and many outbuildings as high winds drive it and expand the burn area. One fire engine was destroyed as the fire moved over it early in the operation. By Sunday evening it had grown to 10,000 acres. There were 200 firefighters working the blaze Sunday night with another 100 expected to arrive Monday morning.
Herald-Republic
The Yakima Herald-Republic continues:
The blaze started as a small brush fire at 2401 Cowiche Mill Road in Cowiche Canyon across from the Cowiche Creek Nursery. Flames were first reported about 2:30 p.m. Heavy winds prompted the fire to travel southwest over the hillside into the West Valley area. Firefighters estimated wind speeds at 20 and 25 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
The flames engulfed West Valley fire engine 31 and sent three firefighters to an area hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Shelters were not deployed, but (West Valley FD Chief) Leitch said the engine is lost.
Engine 31 before yesterday.
Richard Andring, public information officer for the West Valley fire department, said the fire will continue through today, with containment efforts taking another couple days. The fire is approaching an area that contains a gravel pit and the fire lines are being created with the purpose of directing the fire toward that area.
Wildfire helicopter dips into a fruit orchard reservoir.
(Herald-Republic photo)
Also on FireGeezer…
- Grass Fire Takes Out 18 Homes in Washington State – February 14, 2011
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