State resources mobilized to Yellepit Fire near Finley
By Dan Thesman on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News
Benton County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Yellepit Fire located in Benton County, near the town of Finley. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on Saturday at 8:15 a.m. at the request of Benton County Fire District 1 Chief Lonnie Click.
The Yellepit Fire started on Friday at approximately 6:18 p.m. This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing. It is burning in grass and brush and is threatening crops, power infrastructure, and the BNSF mainline. No evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray remains activated at Level 1 to help coordinate state assistance for the Yellepit Fire. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered two strike teams and State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are currently working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.
Photo via Benton County Fire District 1
