Updated

Updated · wenatcheeworld.com · Aug 15

Horse Heaven Hills Wildfire Damage Sends Dust and Ash Across SR-397, Cutting Visit to 28 Seconds

Updated

Updated · wenatcheeworld.com · Aug 15

Horse Heaven Hills Wildfire Damage Sends Dust and Ash Across SR-397, Cutting Visit to 28 Seconds

Q: Why did a bystander choke on blinding ash hours after officials declared the terrifying Nine Canyon Fire nearly contained?

The bystander choked because the Nine Canyon Fire, though reported about 90% contained by Saturday morning, had left behind loose ash, soot and dust across the burned Horse Heaven Hills, and strong Chinook winds were still whipping that material into the air hours later. Near South Olympia Street and SR-397, the observer stepped out to film the blackened hills and nearby Canyon Lakes homes. But the same wind that had driven the fire earlier was still gusting through the area, creating blowing ash and heavy dust that sharply reduced visibility and made the air difficult to breathe. Without a mask, the person lasted only about 28 seconds before retreating to the car. That fits the broader fire conditions reported by responders and transportation officials. The blaze started late Friday near SR-397 and Nine Canyon Road as a fast-moving, wind-driven vegetation fire that threatened homes, triggered evacuations and caused highway closures because smoke and poor visibility covered the roadway. Even after containment improved and evacuations were lifted, residual ash and smoke remained a hazard, especially in exposed, wind-swept terrain. So the choking was not because the fire was still actively overrunning the area, but because post-fire conditions remained severe: a fresh burn scar, airborne ash and dust, and strong winds combining to create blinding, unhealthy air.

Q: What sparked the sudden Friday night inferno that scorched 600 acres before firefighters miraculously saved the Canyon Lakes homes?

The cause had not been publicly identified at the time of the reporting. Officials said the Benton County Sheriff’s Office was investigating the blaze, but no confirmed ignition source was released. What is clear is that the fire began late Friday night, around 11:30 p.m., near State Route 397 and Nine Canyon Road in the Horse Heaven Hills, and strong Chinook winds rapidly drove it westward toward the Canyon Lakes area. By Saturday morning it had burned about 600 acres, triggered overnight evacuations, and threatened homes in south Kennewick. Firefighters from Benton County and supporting agencies were able to keep the fire from destroying the Canyon Lakes homes despite the fast-moving conditions. Authorities reported no structures lost and no injuries, though some property damage was noted. So, based on the available reporting, the inferno’s exact spark remained unknown pending the sheriff’s investigation.

1 articles · Updated · wenatcheeworld.com · Aug 15

A visitor to Horse Heaven Hills lasted only 28 seconds outside the car after stopping near South Olympia Street and SR-397 to film recent wildfire damage.
Chinook winds drove dust and ash across the burned black hills, over Canyon Lakes homes and directly into the visitor’s face, forcing a quick retreat.
The account offers a ground-level view of conditions left by the latest rash of wildfires, showing how smoke residue and loose debris still dominate the landscape.