Fire Response Activated in Benton, Grant Counties

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  State fire resources have been mobilized to assist local firefighters containing two wildfires in Washington State.“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Wagon Wheel Fire located in Benton County, near Benton City.”
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  The Wagon Wheel Fire in Benton County near Benton City started June 23 at 11:54 a.m.“The Wagon Wheel Fire started on June 23, 2026, at approximately 11:54 a.m.”
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  The Wagon Wheel Fire is burning 500 acres.“This fire is estimated at 500 acres and growing.”
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  The Garred Road Fire in Grant County near Coulee City started June 21 at 4:01 p.m.“The Garred Road Fire started on June 21, 2026, at approximately 4:01 p.m.”
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  The Garred Road Fire is burning 1,500 acres.“This fire is estimated at 1,500 acres and growing.”
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  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization on June 23 at 3:00 p.m.“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2.”
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  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization on June 22 at 12:45 p.m.Not found in the source record — unverified.
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  Fire Chief Dennis Bates of Benton County Fire District 2 and Fire Chief Jesse Bolyard of Coulee City Fire Department requested the assistance.“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2. The Garred Road Fire started on June 22, 2026, at 12:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Jesse Bolyard, Coulee City Fire Department.”
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  Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect for both fires.“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2.“The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the Wagon Wheel Fire.”
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  Mobilization specialists ordered one wildland strike team for the Wagon Wheel Fire.“Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one wildland strike team to aid in containment efforts.”
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  Mobilization specialists ordered four wildland strike teams, an incident command team, and air resources for the Garred Road Fire.“Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered four wildland strike teams, an incident command team, and air resources to aid in containment efforts.”
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  State Fire Marshal's Office personnel are coordinating the dispatch of resources.“State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.”
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  Both fires are under investigation for cause.“The fire cause is currently under investigation.”