Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Sunday's lightning-sparked fire in the Irby coulee threatened to destroy homes in that once-thriving metropolis. Firefighters battled to keep flames away from the home of Norm and Lise Ott . The proximity of the haystacks to the home represented an additional hazard, but the Ott residence was spared along with several other homes thanks to the hard work of the fire crews.
A crew from Inland Power & Light company works to install new power poles and restore electrical service to Irby area residents. Avista crews were also hard at work in their own service areas. Between the two, power was restored to most residents of the area by Monday afternoon.
Sunday, August 9, saw thunderclouds roll through the Odessa area, as lightning strikes produced wildfires. The fires burned mostly sage brush and bunchgrass pasture land but also threatened several homes in and around the former town of Irby. Firefighters fought diligently to protect the homes on farms and within Irby, and they were successful in doing so.
The fire was bearing down on the home of Alex and Kaci King and their young son Simon after roaring through tinder-dry pasture. The firefighters poured water around the residence, and with a little help from a shift in the wind direction, were able to keep the flames at bay, said Alex's mother, Faye King.
Down in the Irby coulee, the home of Norm and Lise Ott was undergoing a similar ordeal. Added to their dilemma was the fact that three large haystacks were situated only yards away from the house. If the hay had caught fire, said rural fire chief Roger Sebesta, they would have lost the house. Instead, the Otts lost power for several hours after the fire destroyed power poles belonging to both Inland Power and Light and the Avista Utilities company, but their home was unscathed.
Sam Mullins, the local Avista representative who resides in Odessa, told The Record that at least 20 power poles belonging to the two companies were burned and had to be replaced. Crews worked through the night and restored power to most homes by the next day.
Sunday's fire followed another nearby fire on Saturday called the Lower Crab Creek Fire that affected the towns of Royal City, Smyrna and Beverly.
Statewide resources were mobilized for that fire, and a command post was set up at Mattawa High School. That fire was estimated at about 10,000 acres and was burning dry sage and grass in steep terrain. Over 100 fire engines, a hand crew and aircraft all battled the flames. A heavy air tanker dropped retardant, several small planes dropped water and a helicopter also dropped water. The Grant County Sheriff's Office reminded members of the public not to fly drones in or near the fire to prevent interference with firefighting aircraft.
The community of Smyrna, south of Royal City, was placed under a Level 3 Evacuation Notice, meaning that residents had to leave immediately. A Red Cross shelter was opened at Royal High School in Royal City (for people only, no pets allowed). The Beverly Sand Dunes recreation area was also evacuated overnight.
Level 3 means immiment danger, and residents are told to load their family and pets into their vehicle and leave immediately, then follow facebook.com/GrantCoSheriff, Twitter @GrantCoSheriff and local media for updates on the situation.
No other evacuation notices were in effect. Sheriff's deputies and police went door to door to notify residents of the evacuation. Residents near Beverly, Royal City and Mattawa were advised to be aware of fire conditions in the area.
Lower Crab Creek Road between SR243 and Smyrna was closed due to fire activity. Smoke from the fire could be seen and smelled throughout central Grant County and beyond. The high temperature at the scene was 87°F, while winds increased overnight Saturday.
The Sheriff's Office also advised that mobilized resources did not need donated materials, as they already come equipped with drinking water, food, clothing and tools.
As a side note, we are including the Level 2 evacuation instructions in case Odessa is ever placed in such a situation:
Level 2 evacuations indicate a significant risk to the area. The fire (or other danger) is moving closer, and a mandatory evacuation order may be issued at any time. Prepare for immediate evacuation. Voluntarily relocate to a shelter or stay with family/friends outside of the area or be ready to leave at a moment's notice, being sure to gather essential items such as prescription medicines, eyeglasses, identification cards, checkbook, credit cards and valuable papers. Do not delay to collect other belongings. Take pets along, but bring a leash, crate or cage for them. Red Cross shelters do not accept pets. Those with no means of transportation or unable physically to evacuate on their own are advised to ask a neighbor for assistance. Provide assistance to any neighbors or coworkers with hearing or language problems or special needs. Do not use the telephone except to report a true emergency. Follow facebook.com/GrantCoSheriff and local media for updates.
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