By Terry Murry on Monday, March 20th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – Three children escaped injury after igniting a field fire in the area of Hover Park, located at 250598 East Toothaker Road, just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The park is located along the Columbia River.
When firefighters arrived, they found about a half of an acre of brush burning among olive trees along the Columbia River. The fire was in an area between the river and a dirt road, which helped prevent the flames from spreading.
According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the fire started when three children between the ages of 9 and 12 took what was described as a “torch” from their parents’ vehicle and tried to light some cardboard.
Firefighters and deputies were able to use the incident as an opportunity to talk to the children and parents about the dangers of playing with fire. No homes or private property were threatened or damaged in the fire and no citations will be issued.
Photo via Benton County Fire District No. 1