Wind and dry fuel turned a late-night spark into a fast-moving emergency near the tiny Columbia Basin communities of Beverly and Schwana on Wednesday, pushing residents out the door under Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders. The Railroad Fire, as locals know it, tore along Lower Crab Creek and pushed toward homes, crops and power lines while fire crews worked through the night. Officials opened an evacuation shelter in Mattawa and told boaters on the Columbia River to steer clear so aircraft could safely scoop water.
What Officials Say And How Big The Fire Is
The fire was first reported around 11 p.m. Wednesday. Early information from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office put roughly 280 households in the evacuation zone. In a news release, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office estimated the blaze at about 750 acres and still growing, according to KIRO 7. The sheriff’s office also scolded spectators who were trying to grab video near the flames, warning they were putting themselves and firefighters in danger and urging the public to stay out of the active fire area.
Homes Destroyed, No Injuries Reported
Initial overnight reports from KIRO said at least three homes had burned. By later Thursday updates, local officials were reporting a higher toll. Hagadone News Network reported that seven homes were ultimately destroyed. Grant County Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman told Hagadone that crews were battling "30-mile-an-hour winds" and thick sagebrush that helped drive the flames. Foreman said there were no reported injuries or deaths as firefighters continued structure protection and damage assessments.
Evacuations, Shelter And Travel Impacts
Level 3 "Go Now" orders covered all of Beverly, all of Schwana and residents along Lower Crab Creek Road up to five miles east of State Route 243. Nearby neighborhoods were placed under a Level 1 "Be Ready" advisory. An evacuation shelter was opened at Wahluke High School in Mattawa, and officials reported nearly 300 customers without power after lines were damaged, according to KIRO 7. State firefighting resources were requested early Thursday, and Grant PUD crews staged nearby so they could move in to replace burned poles once conditions were safe.
State Response And Air Operations
State mobilization brought additional engines, crews and aircraft into Grant County. Spokane Public Radio reported that water-scooping planes and helicopters were expected to work the fire, drawing from the Columbia River to hit hot spots. Officials reminded boaters to give firefighting aircraft plenty of room while they refill and stressed that the fire zone is a no-drone area so pilots can operate safely. Incident command was expected to shift to a Southeastern Washington interagency team as more resources arrived at the scene.
How To Get Updates
Emergency officials urged residents to stick with official channels for the latest on evacuations, shelters and road closures. Hagadone News Network notes that the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has been posting frequent updates. Residents were encouraged to sign up for county alerts by texting GCSHERIFF to 888777, stay away from closed recreation areas near Wanapum and follow local health guidance as smoke and poor air quality spread across the basin. We will update this report as officials release new information.
