RICHLAND, Wash. – UPDATE: 3:45
Richland Fire and Emergency Services, along with the US Army Corps of Engineers, assessed the ongoing Yakima Delta fire Wednesday, March 26.
The department said in a release that crews established a containment line at the north end of the affected area. The line runs east to west between the bike path and the river, roughly 100 yards long and three feet wide.
Richland Fire said a controlled burn strategy will be implemented to prevent the fire from spreading further north and east. As a result, the bike path will stay closed until further notice.
Residents and commuters may notice increased fire activity and are asked not to call 911 as emergency crews are actively managing the situation.
Weather forecasts predict precipitation and cooler temperatures, potentially aiding containment efforts.
The fire remains east of SR240 and has not affected Bateman Island. There is no immediate threat to the public, the release said.
UPDATE MARCH 26:
The fire continues to burn and smolder, and will most likely continue to do so for the next few weeks, according to Richland Fire and Emergency Services. The forecasted weather over the next few days will bring cooler weather and precipitation, which could help containment efforts.
The fire has not crossed to the west side of SR 240, and while there is no threat to the public, people are advised to avoid the bike path, according to Richland EMS. An estimated time of reopening for the bike path will be released later today.
UPDATE MARCH 25:
The fire has flared up in the same area where firefighters said flames scorched 20 acres over the weekend.
With the marshy landscape and difficult gaining access, Richland Fire and Emergency Services said state air resources have been called in to assist.
Fire investigators said the fire doesn’t pose a threat to nearby SR 240.
ORIGINAL: March 24
This past weekend, Richland Fire and Emergency Services responded to a fire near SR240 in the Yakima Delta area.
According to a release, crews managed to contain the fire, which started a quarter mile north of Ben Franklin Transit and stretched along SR240 near the Yakima River Bridge.
While the fire is contained, some areas may smolder for the next several days.
Residents are asked to not be alarmed by smoke and not call 911 unless there is a new emergency.
Richland Fire and Emergency Services said it will keep monitoring the area to ensure safety.
The land impacted, approximately 20 acres, is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the city said it’s coordinating with them for the next steps.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Residents are urged to avoid the area due to potential hazards.
Bateman Island was not affected by the fire, said Richland Fire.
