Quincy Lakes Fire burns 280 acres, triggers ‘Go Now’ evacuation order

A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order has since been downgraded to a Level 2 following a fire that broke out in the Ancient Lakes near Quincy on Saturday.

No injuries have been reported, and none of the nearby structures have been threatened, said Grant County Fire District (GCFD) 5 firefighter, according to the Columbia Basin Herald.

“You are advised to evacuate immediately,” the Grant County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Current conditions present a specific and immediate threat to the life and safety of persons within this area.”

Evacuation order later downgraded as crews gained ground

After its discovery at approximately 9:30 p.m. As of Sunday, the fire had burned about 280 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).

“We evacuated all the campers,” Garland said. “Probably five to seven people, no cars or trucks, not a crazy amount.”

A tactical tender from GCFD was on scene Sunday morning, and the Bureau of Land Management had four fire engines and three handlines at the fire site, which was labeled the Quincy Lakes Fire.

At 12:30 p.m. Sunday, the evacuation order was downgraded to a Level 2 “Be prepared to leave,” according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Garland noted that the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

“Our fire marshal is working on that,” Garland said, according to the Columbia Basin Herald. “A campfire, fireworks, somebody threw a cigarette butt? Who knows?”

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