Update 1 – June 14, 2023, Wednesday, 2245 PDT

(Newly Reported)

A wildfire named the Rock Ford Fire AKA the Drumheller Fire broke out this afternoon on Hwy 17 at Rock Ford in Grant County, Washington.

Photo Credit: GCSO

Resources were dispatched from Ephrata Fire, Grant County Fire Districts 3, 5, and 13, as well as the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Level 1 evacuation notices were issued for the area west of Rocky Ford Creek around 1430 hours this afternoon, though the PIO said there were no threats to nearby homes. This was to just make sure residents were aware a fire is in the area and to be aware.

However, the wind began picking up the fire and spreading flames, causing it to spread quickly due to winds and heavy fire load of grass and sage. The fire would grow to 400 acres only fifteen minutes after homes were notified of the fire in the area. (1445)

Less than one hour later, the fire was said to be pushing up against the highway, forcing the Sheriff’s Office to close SR 17 at SR 282 and Neppel Road.

The fire was reported at 1840 hours with SR 17 reopened and the fire under control with the aid of aircraft and ground resources successfully containing the fire. Due to the large fire, resources will remain overnight as they have mop-up operations to address any flare-ups (spot fires).

According to WA DNR’s Wildcad.net call, the total fire size was reportedly burning 929 acres of land.

The Incident # was WASPD-237.

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