SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — The Cimmaron Fire broke out Monday afternoon in the Dishman Hills area and quickly grew to 12 acres, putting numerous homes at risk. Evacuations jumped to Level 2, “Bet Set,” within about an hour but dropped as the sun went down.
Dan Baerg, who has lived in the area for about four years, said he moved here for the scenery. However, on Labor Day part of that scenery was engulfed in fire.
“What we saw initially was just some smoke, and then it became apparent that it was a full blown wildfire going,” said Baerg.
Chief Lonnie Rash from Spokane County Fire District 8 said getting to the fire from the ground was difficult because of the terrain and they heavily relied on air support to help put out the fire. Chief Rash added that there was an added layer because the fire broke out in a residential area that was heavily wooded.
“It is in that area where there are houses all around,” said Chief Rash.
On Labor Day, firefighters at the Cimmaron Fire and across the region faced an uphill battle. Throughout the day, a string of brush fires broke out across the region, including several along I-90. At least two vehicle fires also led to brush fires. One of the vehicle fires north of Green Bluff ended up leading to one person’s death.
Fortunately, the wind was on their side, especially at the Cimmaron fire.
“Had there been wind, this would have been a different story; this fire would have moved fast,” said Chief Rash.
Chief Rash tips his helmet to those living in the area. He stated that following the requirements and instructions during fire season is half the battle, “I think our citizens are doing a really good job of paying attention and recognizing that most of the time, we are in fire danger.”
Non Stop Local reached out to the Department of Natural Resources for a cause of the Cimmaron fire, the said it was still under investigation.
