Some progress has been made in battling the fast moving first major brush fire of the 2019 season in the Tri-Cities-Columbia Basin area.

According to the Grant County Sheriff's Department, this assessment came from the incident commander and fire officials, as of Thursday morning, June 6:

"FIRE STATUS
• Acres Burned: 18,774
• Containment: 50%
• Cause: Under Investigation
• Structures Damaged: No residents reported at this time
• Current Closures: Beverly Burke Rd and Lower Crab Creek
• Current Evacuations: Level 2 at Smyrma. The Closures and Evacuations are expected to change today.

Incident Summary: The 243 Command Fire started on Monday, June 3, near Highway 243 and Wanapum Dam. The winds pushed the fire easterly through the Lower Crab Creek Canyon. The fire crews were able to contain it between the canyon’s northern and southern ridges. It is presently 50% contained with 18,774 acres burned. The cause is still under investigation."

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