EPHRATA-- A wildland fire came dangerously close to homes in the Beasley Hill area of Ephrata today.  The wildland fire estimated at around 500 acres initially was reduced in size to 80 acres after more accurate mapping was used.  The fire was reported just after 1230 PM.  Firefighters from across Grant County Came to assist GCFD 13 with the blaze.  Officials also utilized a local crop duster to make water drops. 

Later in the day local resources had been exhausted so the Washington State Mobilization was put into affect by the Washington State Patrol.  This allowed Dist. 13 to call on resources from around the state to help fight the fire and free up local resources to handle any new incoming fires. 

The terrain was especially difficult as the fire burned actively up the north east portion of Beasley hill.  Several homes were threatened and in addition some radio towers sat at the top of Beasley Hill.  Thanks to a great effort by all the participating Grant County Agencies (GCFD 3, GCFD 5, GCFD 7,  Ephrata Fire, Soap Lake Fire) no structures or radio towers were lost.  Below are some additional photos of the fire.

Link to story and more pictures at KREM.com: http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/kremw_081307_ephratafire.2fbb58d1.html