After a fire scorched about 81 acres near a road south of Ellensburg, state officials are investigating the cause and asking for help identifying a vehicle that was spotted near where the fire began. The Durr Road Fire started at about 3:11 p.m. on September 1, about six miles south of Ellensburg near Durr Road. The fire burned about 81 acres of grass and brush, according to firefighters. It was 100% contained by about 3:45 p.m. on September 2, firefighters said.
On September 3, officials with the Department of Natural Resources said investigators are looking for information from the public about how the wildfire started. DNR officials said the fire started at about 2:11 p.m. on September 1 about 1.5 miles south of the junction between Durr Road and Umptanum Road. DNR investigators said witnesses saw a black 2020s GMC crew cab pick-up truck near where the fire started. Officials said the truck was described as having a black toolbox and a distinctive black metal rear windshield safety guard.
