RICHLAND, Wash. — It may not even be summer yet, but crews in Washington are already fighting wildfires.
The Country Meadow Fire in Benton County was burning about 1,500 to 2,000 acres as of 6:35 p.m. on May 23, according to Benton County Fire District #1.
As of 9:30 a.m. on May 24, fire officials reported that the fire was 20% contained and burning about 1,700 acres.
Benton County Fire District #1 says about 150-200 homes were impacted near Ridgeline and Locust Grove, near Richland.
‘Go Now’ evacuation orders were put in place for the area between Locust Grove and I-82/Ridgeline. Between both sides of Clodfelter were in Level One/Get Ready evacuations, the agency said.
By 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, Benton County Fire District #1 confirmed that containment was at 60%, and Benton County Emergency Service would be dropping all evacuation levels to Level 1.
There were no further road closures, but personnel continued operations in the burn area through Monday, and a structure assessment confirmed the loss of one secondary structure, a shop.
Benton County Fire District #1 also took the time to thank the community for the continued support of their efforts.
“BCFD1 is made up of career and volunteer firefighters and medics, and we’re here because we [love] our community!” wrote the fire district.
On Tuesday, May 26, Snohomish County Fire District 4 posted a few photos from the area, where Acting Lt. Officer McCaughan was deployed to assist with tender operations at the County Meadow Fire.
“We appreciate his dedication and commitment to helping communities across our state during fire season,” wrote the fire district.
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