Local crews respond to CRP fire east of Ritzville

Area fire crews battled a CRP fire on Thursday, July 16, which burned an estimated 350-400 acres and threatened one home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Adams County Fire Protection District No. 1 Chief Scott Kembel said.

The fire began just before 11 a.m. at the edge of Snyder Road, near Griffith Road, 10 miles east of Ritzville.

The fire, aided by wind, quickly spread across the CRP ground and came within a quarter mile of a residence. An Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy had advised the residents to evacuate, but fire crews were able to contain the flames before it threatene...