The 243 Command Fire was a wildfire that burned near Wanapum Dam in Grant County, Washington, in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

. The fire started on June 3, 2019, and was reported 85% contained as of June 10, 2019. The fire burned a total of and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire

The 243 Command Fire started on the evening of June 3, 2019, near Wanapum Dam and Highway 243. The fire moved east into Lower Crab Creek Canyon, growing to within nine hours. Evacuation orders were put in place for approximately 25 homes near

Smyrna Smyrna ( ; grc, Σμύρνη, Smýrnē, or , ) was a Greek city located at a strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia. Due to its advantageous port conditions, its ease of defence, and its good inland connections, Smyrna rose to promi ...

. Fire crews contained the fire between the canyon's southern and northern ridges by creating a wide, cool outer ring, with no burnable material, to help contain the fire's footprints and remaining hot spots. Mop up and environmental rehab operations began on June 6 with the fire at 85% containment. It burned a total of .

Impact

Approximately 25 homes near Smyrna were placed under mandatory evacuation due to the fast growth of the fire. Power lines and local infrastructure suffered damaged as the result of the fire, including irrigation infrastructure on local farmland.

References

External links

{{Washington wildfires 2019 Washington (state) wildfires June 2019 events in the United States Grant County, Washington