KENNEWICK — A fire tore through about 77 acres of sagebrush and grass in rural Benton County south of Kennewick late, starting late Wednesday.
While investigators haven’t been able to determine what started the fire, people reported hearing gunshots about 6 p.m. in the area near Finley Road, said Jenna Kochenauer, Benton County Fire District 1’s public information officer.
The blaze threatened one home and several outbuildings, she said. Some fire engines were stationed at the home to protect it from the approaching flames. The fire sent up a plume of smoke visible for miles around the Tri-Cities.
District 1 firefighters were joined in the overnight effort by Benton County fire districts 2 and 4, Walla Walla district 5, Franklin County district 3 and the Kennewick Fire Department.