Yakima Delta wildfire started at Richland homeless camp, investigators say

  • Source: KATU-TV ABC 2 Portland
  • Published: 05/06/2021 12:00 AM

Investigators believe a wildfire that scorched over 85 acres in Richland this week started at a homeless camp along a local highway. Battalion Chief Randy Aust informed officials about the initial investigation into the Yakima Delta Fire during a recent city council meeting. Aust told city leaders that the fire appeared to start near a homeless encampment in the area of State Route 240 near the Yakima River. Investigators say they found multiple cook stoves, a fire pit, a tent, lawn chairs and a deceased cat in the area where the fire started. Aust said erratic winds and very dry flashy fuels created a significant fire hazard and allowed the fire to spread rapidly. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for dehydration. That firefighter was treated and is now back on the job.



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