A devastating wildfire that destroyed the town of Medical Lake last summer was caused by sparks from an Inland Power light, according to a report from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The report obtained by KREM 2 states the Gray Fire started because of an arcing wire on an Inland Power outdoor security light. Investigators found sparks from the light reached a patch of grass, lighting the fire that burned more than 11,000 acres, destroyed 240 structures and took the life of one person. Additionally, DNR said Inland Power was aware of the malfunctioning light before the fire started.
According to the report, on Aug. 18, 2023, the day the fire started, a person living near where the fire began said she'd called Inland Power multiple times months before to address concerns about the outdoor light.