Tuesday, June 23, 2015

FIRE OFFICIALS: 500-ACRE FIRE STARTED BY KIDS PLAYING WITH LUMINARY BAGS; NO HOMES THREATENED








JUNE 23, 2015

YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
Smoke blankets the Yakima Valley Saturday as fire crews still battle a 500-acre brush fire.
The fire is contained, however crews are trying to put out small spot fires in thick brush along the river. The Selah Fire Chief Jerry Davis told KIMA that they will be monitoring hot spots and hosing down the smoldering terrain for at least another 48 hours. This is to prevent high winds and heat from kicking up embers.

Fire crews tell KIMA the fire was started by 'juveniles' playing with a luminary bag. We're told Police have identified them.

No homes were threatened. However, fire fighters ordered the homeless camps near the river to be evacuated around 5:30 am, Saturday.

The flames of the fire were visible for miles on Friday. An eery sight as the trail of fire moved along the steep ridges, lighting up the night sky.

Over 75 fire fighters have battled the 3-alarm call. Flames were closest to Lookout Point Road in Selah. High winds fanned the fire, spreading it east toward Interstate 82 and 40th Avenue.

Fire crews say they had limited access to the fire because of the steep terrain.

This is a developing story. KIMA has a crew on the scene and will continue to update you throughout the day. Watch Action News at 6:30 for the very latest.
Source http://www.kimatv.com