Brush fire breaks out in Cheney

CHENEY – The city Fire Department with the assistance of Fire District 3 combated a brush fire near West First and Washington streets in Cheney on June 23.

Around 3:30 p.m., both departments along with the Department of Natural Resources firefighters, quickly responded to the fire as the flames were encroaching around the surrounding area.

According to Cheney Fire Chief Tom Jenkins, the fire ignited by the railroad tracks behind a house and next to Dow's Excavating business. Despite the potential danger posed by the winds, the combined efforts of the firefighters quickly brought the situation under control.

The fire, which consumed less than an acre of dried brush, was headed toward Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and gained concerns with them, Jenkins added.

Jenkins noted that within about an hour, the teams had the fire contained. However, it took several more hours to ensure the area was completely cleared and the fire extinguished. By the next day, the fire was almost completely out.

The fire is believed to have been started by a group of people, and the city police are currently investigating it.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities or property damage reported in the area.