Live Updates: People can return home after fire burns near Rattlesnake Mountain, Benton City

Cameron Probert
·3 min read

4:52 p.m.

The level 2 and level 3 evacuation orders previously issued for North Leonard PR, Montana PR, West Sunrise PR Northwest, Wagon Wheel PR Northwest and West 682 have been reduced to level 1.

That means everyone who has left their homes in those areas can return.

But people should still be prepared to leave in case the fire gets worse, say fire officials.

There are three levels of evacuation orders that can be issued ranging in severity. At level 1, you should be aware of the fire and make plans if you need to leave.

At level 2, you should get ready to go, and at level 3 you need leave right away.

3:10 p.m.

Highway 225 is being opened again after the fire moved away from that area.

2:50 p.m.

Five small planes have been seen helping firefighters battle the slow moving fire.

A fire fighting aircraft drops a load of water at a two-alarm wildfire that forced people from homes Monday afternoon just north of Benton City. There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.
A fire fighting aircraft drops a load of water at a two-alarm wildfire that forced people from homes Monday afternoon just north of Benton City. There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.

Firefighters continue to battle the blaze north of Benton County. It does not appear that any homes have been touched and firefighters have been using a bulldozer to clear the ground ahead of the fire.

1:15 p.m.

Highway 225 between Acord Road and the Rattlesnake shooting range is being closed to traffic.

1 p.m.

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has reported the fire is 100 acres and growing.

State mobilization to battle the Trinity PR fire has been authorized while the fire continues to burn grass and threaten homes.

There are three airplanes and two helicopters dousing water from the air.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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A two-alarm wildfire forced people from homes on a rural road north of Benton City on Monday afternoon.

People in homes on North Leonard private road are being told to leave ahead of a fire that started near West Trinity private road at about 10:15 a.m. Monday, the Benton County Emergency Services said.

The area is near Highway 225 and Rattlesnake Mountain.

Residents on Leonard Road PR have reported that the fire was approaching their homes. A team of firefighters was dispatched to the area to try to protect the properties.

A fire truck stages next to a home that was threatened by a two-alarm wildfire that forced people from homes Monday afternoon just north of Benton City. There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.
A fire truck stages next to a home that was threatened by a two-alarm wildfire that forced people from homes Monday afternoon just north of Benton City. There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.

A Level 2 notice, meaning to prepare to leave, has been issued for Montana PR W, Sunrise PR NW, Wagon Wheel PR NW and West 682 PR NW, according to the Benton County Emergency Services.

This means to be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

The area of West private road 682 Northwest, south of West Acord Road are being told to make preparations to evacuate.

An American Red Cross Shelter has been set up at 7202 W. Deschutes Ave. in Kennewick.

There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.

Wildland fire trucks patrol the perimeter of a two-alarm wildfire that forced people from homes Monday afternoon just north of Benton City. There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.
Wildland fire trucks patrol the perimeter of a two-alarm wildfire that forced people from homes Monday afternoon just north of Benton City. There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.

A wildland strike team was called in to help and aerial support from planes or helicopters are coming to help, according to dispatch reports.

Officials are asking people to avoid driving in that area.

A group of fire fighting aircraft line up in the sky preparing to drop their loads water at a two-alarm wildfire that forced people from homes Monday afternoon just north of Benton City. There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.
A group of fire fighting aircraft line up in the sky preparing to drop their loads water at a two-alarm wildfire that forced people from homes Monday afternoon just north of Benton City. There were no immediate details on the size or cause of the blaze.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.