Lincoln County crews help with Lind fire

ODESSA- Lincoln County fire fighters and volunteers were there to assist with a wildfire in Lind that forced the town’s evacuation on Thursday, Aug. 4.

District No. 3 Chief Stephen Walter said it was an effort from just about all adjoining districts and there were various sorts of trucks/equipment on scene.

“We sent 11 guys,” Walter said. “Three brush trucks and two water trucks from Odessa.”

Walter said it was a team effort to stop the blaze from spreading.

“Our hearts go out to the families who lost their homes,” Walter said.

The fire destroyed six houses and eight other structures and burned about 2,500 acres.

Walter said that farmers brought their own personal water trucks to help with the fire.

“I saw at least two tractors with discs,” Walter said. “That played a huge role to help contain the fire.”

Crews from Fire District No. 6 and Fire District No. 1 also assisted in fire efforts.

Assistance was mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Mobilization Plan, in support of local firefighters.

The fire started at approximately 11:45 a.m.

Level 3 evacuations were in place at the time. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

One firefighter was flown to Spokane to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Windy conditions were a major factor in the spreading of the fire.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter in Ritzville for displaced residents.

By Thursday evening, the fire was contained and the evacuation order had been lifted.