Firefighters have halted the advance of the Second Street wildfire in Benton County, Washington, but the blaze remains out of control and Level 3 evacuation orders are still in force.
The fire, which began near Northeast Second Street at about 2.40pm on Friday, has burned roughly 1,151 acres and is currently reported to be 0 per cent contained. Warm temperatures and strong winds drove it north-east towards populated areas and key transport routes.
It crossed railway tracks, Interstate 82, Kennedy Road and State Route 224 as it moved towards Keene Road, threatening homes, infrastructure and nearby farmland.
Washington State Patrol chief John Batiste authorised state fire mobilisation at 4.30pm on Friday after a request from Benton County Fire District 4. Six wildland strike teams were ordered to support local crews, while the state emergency operations centre was activated to co-ordinate the response. ([forth.news](https://www.forth.news/lists/wsp/CfR9RV3Hm54e8eX4D4DbK))
The Southeast Washington Incident Management Team took command at 10pm. Crews spent the night patrolling the perimeter, tackling hot spots and reinforcing fire lines around the affected area.
Initial reports indicate that structures, vehicles and crops may have been damaged, although officials have not yet confirmed the scale of the losses. Assessment teams are examining the area.
Second Street wildfire evacuation orders and road closures
A Level 3, or “GO”, evacuation order remains in place between Kennedy Road and State Route 224 and the junction with North Sunset. The area from State Route 224 at Sunset Road to Keene Road has been lowered to Level 2, meaning residents should be prepared to leave.
Eastbound Kennedy Road is closed at First Street in Benton City, while westbound Kennedy Road is shut at Watkins Road in West Richland. Dallas Road is also closed at East Jacobs Road.
The American Red Cross has opened a temporary evacuation centre at Central Church, 1124 Stevens Drive, in Richland.
Officials have asked members of the public not to take physical donations to firefighter staging areas. People wishing to support those affected have been advised to contact the Red Cross or donate to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
