A new plume of smoke is pouring from the Yakima River delta fire on Columbia Point South in Richland.
Brush that had been smoldering from the 85-acre fire along Highway 240 spread and ignited the undeveloped area south of the twin Interstate 182 bridges, according to Richland Fire and Emergency services.
Wind and Thursday’s warm temperatures caused the flare up about 4 p.m., firefighters said. Firefighters are asking people to avoid the area of Interstate 182, Highway 240 and the Columbia Point Marina in Richland.
Boaters also are being asked to avoid traveling through the area, including heading to Bateman Island. The bike path along Highway 240 also remains closed.