State mobilizes crews, strike teams as wildfire grows near Benton City

State fire resources are heading to Benton County to help local crews battle a growing wildfire near Benton City.

The Second Street Fire ignited in grass, brush, and urban forested areas near Benton City at about 2:40 p.m. Friday and continued to spread, threatening homes, infrastructure, and Interstate 84.

Evacuation updates as of 9:20 PM: areas remain under a level 3 evacuation through the night, according to Emergency Services for Benton County.

The area from Kennedy Road and State Route 224 to the intersection of North Sunset. The level 3 evacuations will remain in place through the night in this area, and Kennedy Road will remain closed.

There is an American Red Cross temporary evacuation center located at the Central Church at 1124 Stevens Richland for those needing assistance.

Level 3 evacuations are in effect for people in the area, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan was put into action to help control the wildfire, which is currently estimated at 800 acres and growing.

To support the response, the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is fully activated at Level 1. Mobilization specialists with the Fire Protection Bureau have called for six wildland strike teams to help contain the fire.

Staff from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are coordinating efforts both on the ground and remotely to dispatch additional help.

I-82 closure

I-82 remains closed both directions from Benton City to Tri-Cities due to fire activity, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Detours are available using local roads, eastbound traffic is diverted at Exit 96 near Benton City, according to WSDOT.

Westbound traffic is diverted at Exit 102 near Kennewick.

The on-ramp from I-182 westbound to I-82 westbound is also closed.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.