Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Farmer says combine ignited Central Ferry blaze
Firefighters from Pasco Fire Department deal with the aftermath and cleanup of the Riparia Fire on Friday, Aug. 5.
The glow of the Riparia Fire, as viewed from Ridpath Road at about 11:30 p.m., is reflected in the Snake River near Central Ferry.
CENTRAL FERRY - Whipped by gusty winds, the Riparia Fire roared to life Thursday, Aug. 4, but was quickly subdued.
The fire was reported at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday and state fire assistance was mobilized quickly at the request of Whitman County Fire District No. 8 Fire Chief J.B. Broeckel.
At the time, the fire was estimated at 3,000 acres and growing, according to the chief.
Homes, crops, railroad and critical infrastructure were threatened.
Ilda and Chad Lindgren, who live on Riley's River Ranch, decided to evacuate from their home as the flames looked like they were approaching.
But local fire crews stepped in and kept the blaze at bay with the assistance of fire crews flooding into the area.
"We didn't lose any buildings," Chad Lindgren said. "It burnt right up to my barn, and our house."
His neighbor may not have been as lucky.
"The neighbor might have lost a few cows in the fire.," Lindgren said. "They lost the combine that started it. That is all that I know was damaged."
Mrs. Lindgren said she is thankful for all the firefighters.
"If it wasn't for the people that fought the fire through the night, we wouldn't have a home," she said. "My family and I wanted to personally thank all of the firefighters, volunteers, and neighbors that came down to check on us."
Some residents in the Lind area in nearby Adams County weren't as lucky.
Farm equipment is believed to have ignited a fire there Thursday as well.
A wall of flames raced through dry grass and sage brush, prompting state Department of Transportation officials to close U.S. Highway 395 and state Highway 21 near Lind for a while.
The fast moving flames also prompted fire officials to issue Level III evacuation notices - Level III means residents should voluntarily leave immediately. (Under state law, mandatory fire evacuation orders are prohibited).
The Lind Fire burned six homes and numerous outbuildings, officials said.
A third fire, the Williams Lake Fire, is burning southeast of Badger Lake, between Cheney and Ewan in southern Spokane County.
That blaze was at 1,868 acres and 65% contained at press time.
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