Wind-driven fire engulfs home, cars and haystack near Tri-Cities. 2 evacuated

KENNEWICK – A rural home west of Kennewick was destroyed when gusting winds pushed a wildfire through extremely dry grass and brush July 14.

Witnesses first spotted two to three fires burning by some railroad tracks about 10:30 p.m. near 47502 E. Badger Road, said Jenna Roberts, Benton County Fire District 1 public information officer.

Fire quickly engulfed a nearby house as well as several vehicles and other buildings on the property, she said. The flames also spread to a haystack.

Badger Road was shut down for a time while firefighters battled the blaze.

A fire danger warning was already in place in the Tri-Cities region because of recent high temperatures and winds. The wind speeds included gusts up to 22 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

In addition, there was no source of water in that area and firefighters needed to haul water to the site. Firefighting resources were also spread thin because of other regional fires, she said.

Benton County sheriff’s deputies evacuated a man and woman from the property.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the property, which is surrounded by farm land, Roberts said.

In all, the fire burned about 40 acres.

Benton County Fire District 1 firefighters were still at the property the next morning to monitor areas that were still smoldering, especially the haystack.

While the fire started near the railroad tracks, officials did not say whether a passing train was to blame for starting it.