Moses Lake Fire Department continues to monitor brush fire

While the brush fire in the field adjacent to the 800 block of Wheeler Road is contained, Moses Lake Fire Department will remain on site to douse hot spots and monitor flare ups, said Captain Phil Walker.

“People can expect to see smoke in that area for a while,” he said.

Seven Moses Lake Fire Department rigs and 10 Grant County Fire District 5 rigs, providing mutual aid, responded at about 1:45 p.m. Sunday.

No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged other than tents of campers who were in the area, said Captain Phil Walker.

After firefighters arrived on scene, the blaze was confined within a half acre or less, he said, but it was mostly inaccessible, down in the cattails and marshland. Throughout the afternoon, it spread to 72 acres total.

The fire was contained at approximately 5:55 p.m., but a unit remained on site all night to limit flare ups, he said.

While the cause is still under investigation, there is no likely ignition source other than humans, he said.

“I believe it’s possibly human involvement, but whether it’s an accidental fire or an arson is undetermined at this time,” he said.