Winona Fire contained

WINONA – Local fire crews have resumed management of the Winona Fire after it consumed 2,525 acres over the weekend just east of the Adams-Whitman county line.

The blaze broke out at about 2:31 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, and was 90% contained by Sunday, officials said.

At the height of the fire, four FireBoss aircraft, 10 engines, two water crews and 97 firefighters joined local farmers and ranchers in controlling the blaze as it burned in dry brush, grass and wheat.

An evacuation shelter was set up at nearby St. John-Endicott schools.

The fire encroached on the town of Winona, destroying a railroad trestle over Rebel Flat Creek.

Railroad services are rerouting wheat-laden trains previously scheduled to pass through Winona..

Twenty-four abandoned houses and building, RVs and outbuildings were destroyed. But local firefighters were able to save the historic downtown buildings (previously a bank and City Hall), and the old General Mills grain elevator and plant.

Only one primary home was destroyed and a second damaged, officials said.

On Monday morning, the Rebel Flat trestle was still smoldering, and smoke was visible from surrounding areas.

All evacuation notices had been rescinded before press time.

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Roger Harnack, Publisher

Roger Harnack is owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. An award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher who grew up in Eastern Washington, he's one of only two Washington state journalists ever to receive the international Golden Quill for editorial/commentary writing. Roger is committed to preserving local media, and along with it, a local voice for Eastern Washington.

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