Careless Spring Burning Destroys Irrigation Infrastructure
A brush fire south of Richland consumes vital lumber for the Horn Rapids Irrigation company, serving as a warning for local farmers.
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A fire, which was caused by carelessness in burning grass and weeds on a tract south of town, totally destroyed over $160 worth of new lumber which belonged to the Horn Rapids irrigation company and was to be used in building new flume three. In all about 4000 feet of lumber were burned and this necessitated a rush order being sent to Tacoma and Kennewick in order that this flume may be completed by the opening of the irrigating season. This is only another example of what careless attention to brush and weed fires may cause. If this blaze had not been discovered at once there is no telling what proportions it might have attained. It would be a good idea for every farmer to take warning from this small fire and keep a pretty careful look out when burning up his spring refuse.
“This is only another example of what careless attention to brush and weed fires may cause.”
Fire management remains a critical issue in the high-desert climate of the Tri-Cities, where agricultural burning still poses risks to infrastructure and residential areas. Today's strict burn bans and fire regulations represent a direct evolution of the early 20th-century struggles to protect timber and water rights in dry lands.
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