First wildfire of the year started June 4 in Benton County

The first wildfire of the year started on June 4, 2018. It's called the Les Blair Fire, located approximately 8 miles south of Finley in Benton County. The fire was burning in grass and brush.

State assistance was mobilized by the Washington state patrol to help Benton County firefighters. Both aircraft and hand crews were called out.

Soap Lake Fire
Photo from Grant County Fire District 13

Benton County Fire reported that the first day on the Les Blair Fire 500 acres, it was 80% contained, and 100% contained the next day. Cause is under investigation but thought to have started by train.

On June 12, resources were mobilized for the Soap Lake (High Hills) Fire, located approximately 5 miles north of Soap Lake in Grant County. The Soap Lake Fire is burning in grass and brush.

This fire quickly spread to 1400 acres, and was threatening homes, agriculture and power infrastructure in the area.

Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau ordered out engines, aircraft and hand crews to assist Grant County Fire.

Among the crews were three Shoreline firefighters who were sent out on a strike team to the Soap Lake Fire. One went with a Duvall crew and two went with a Bothell crew. It has consumed over 2000 acres.

State Mobilization ended for the Soap Lake Fire in Grant County at 12:00pm Thursday. 2,063 acres, 100% contained.

This is just the beginning of the wildfire season. Remember when you see the news reports that some of our own may be part of the firefighting efforts.