Firefighters are trying to stop a fire that crested Rattlesnake Mountain Friday morning north of Richland. The Cold Creek Fire scorched 14,000 acres and blackened the north side of the mountain after starting shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the Washington state Department of Natural Resources.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2019 8:24:36 PM - SOURCE: Tri-City Herald

To the local and county officials gathered inside the region’s new emergency communications center on Thursday, its opening was a long time coming. But to the dozens picketing outside, it never should have come to this. Spokane Regional Emergency Communications celebrated its opening on Thursday with a news conference and tour of the Combined Communications Building as the union representing City of Spokane fire dispatchers picketed outside.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2019 7:39:32 PM - SOURCE: Spokane Spokesman-Review

High on the hill was a lonely goatherd. His name was Todd Waits, and along with two working dogs, he was shepherding about 325 goats. They were there for wildfire prevention. In central Washington, where wildfires rage in August, vegetation has been called “grassoline,” because it feeds eager flames.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2019 3:52:48 PM - SOURCE: KUOW 94.9FM - Puget Sound Public Radio

Yakima's "iconic" Stop N Go Drive-In was destroyed in a fire on Thursday. The restaurant will be closed indefinitely, City of Yakima spokesman Randy Beehler said. The fire started before noon Thursday at 2820 Fruitvale Blvd. while the business was closed and vacant, Beehler said. Firefighters arrived to heavy black smoke coming from the roof of the building.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2019 3:38:09 PM - SOURCE: YakTriNews