Fire breaks out near Tyler, burns 252 acres

TYLER – A fire broke out last Friday afternoon southeast of Tyler, burning 252 acres and resulting in the loss of several homes, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Crews from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Spokane County Fire Districts 3 and 10, and regional fire partners from Spokane and Lincoln counties responded to the fire, which threatened homes in Tyler and the surrounding areas.

The fast-moving fire burned through timber and grass, ultimately consuming multiple homes and structures along its path. By evening, three homes and five other structures had been destroyed, leaving charred and still-smoldering ground in its wake.

Firefighters from District 3 and the Natural Resources Department engaged in structure protection and suppression activities. Air support, including helicopters and fixed-wing air tankers, also responded to the fire.

A Level 3 evacuation order was issued for residents on South Columbia Basin Highway from South Pine Springs Road to 25610 South Columbia Basin Highway, instructing them to evacuate immediately for their safety.

Cheney High School served as an emergency evacuation shelter according to the American Red Cross. This shelter game those in need food, water and a place to sleep.

According to Watch Duty, State Route 904 Highway was closed on Friday afternoon but reopened in the evening.

The forward progression of the fire was halted on Friday evening after it had burned 252 acres of the Columbia Basin.

Over the weekend, firefighters worked to identify and secure all structures and mopped up the area. They continued to construct containment lines around the fire's perimeter.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.