A squirrel that caused a short circuit in a electric transformer is suspected of starting a 4,500-acre wildfire that threatened 50 homes in the Benton City area over the holiday weekend.
Investigators are still putting together a final report on the cause of the blaze that started in a backyard along Wagon Wheel PR Northwest about 2 p.m. Saturday.
When firefighters arrived, they couldn’t immediately reach the burning area, said Chief Ron Duncan, Benton County Fire District 2.
They had seven trucks in the area within minutes, but irrigation canals, fences and other obstacles blocked their access, he said. The fire, fed by 10-mph winds, quickly turned toward nearby homes, and firefighters began working to protect them.
They steered the fire around the house, but four cars, a mini-bus and boat burned. People in other homes were asked to evacuate as a precaution.