FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE
November 20th, 2025

Assistant Chief Dormaier
Benton County Fire District #2
asstfirechief@benton2.org

Ki-Be High School CSF  11/20/25

Kibe High School – Commercial Structure Fire

Benton City, WA. (November 20th, 2025) – Benton County Fire District #2 was dispatched to the Kibe High School, located at 1205 Horne Dr., for a Possible Commercial Structure Fire at 1049hrs. Due to the 911 caller reports and details, the call was upgraded to a Commercial Structure Fire (CSF) by Dispatchers at SECOMM, and additional response balances of such an incident were dispatched.

On arrival, fire crews had heavy smoke showing, with fire present from an industrial unit attached to a secondary building that is separate from the main building of the high school. School district personnel were making attempts to extinguish the fire using dry chemical extinguishers, while other school district personnel were instructed to get the students completely cleared out from the building. The structure involved houses, both wood & metal shop/classrooms; no other structures were exposed, threatened, nor damaged.

Crews made an aggressive exterior attack while also simultaneously making entry to the interior portions of the commercial structure. Interior crews found heavy smoke conditions inside the structure and made use of positive pressurization of the building, to prevent extension of the fire into the interior portions of the building, as fire was present inside the ducts of the dust collection system; built similar to that of an HVAC system. Primary and secondary searches of the entire building were conducted to confirm that it was not occupied by any students nor school staff. The fire was marked under control at 1131hrs.

Upon completion of fire attack, salvage, and overhaul, the investigation found that an ember from a CNC machine, while cutting/engraving wood, was lodged into the dust collection system, causing a fire in the exterior filter/collection unit, which then allowed fire to progress and travel back through the entire ductwork of the system.

No civilian, nor fire casualties/injuries were reported. Classes at the high school remained “normal” while under a modified lockdown; fire in the building being the root cause of the modified lockdown.

Fire crews were dispatched from a standard CSF run card to include mutual-aid, and automatic-aid from: Benton County Fire District #4, West Benton Fire Rescue, & Richland Fire Department. We were also assisted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, along with a medic unit from Prosser Memorial Hospital.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
June 13, 2023                                                                                        

Public Information Officer
509-588-3211
PIO@benton2.org

Yakitat Road Fire

Benton City, WA - At approximately 1447HRS Fire District 2 was dispatched to the reports of a Natural Cover Fire in the area of I82 and Yakitat Road. Realizing the area’s history, a red flag warning, as well as recent dry weather; almost immediately more resources were requested from our regional mutual aid resources.  

At approximately 1600HRS a state mobilization was requested, and approved, bringing statewide resources into our area.

Significant early use of air resources including large air tankers, very large air tankers, and helicopters provided structural protection in the immediate area of the fire.

There have been no reported losses of residences, or outbuildings.

There have been no reported injuries to civilians or fire personnel.

Currently, the fire is estimated to be several thousand acres, and no exact size is available at this time. The fire is estimated to be 50% contained.

You will continue to see smoke and fire throughout the night, and days to come.

Another press release is expected to be released at 1200hrs on June 14.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
June 14, 2023                                                                                        

Public Information Officer
509-588-3211
PIO@benton2.org

Yakitat Road Fire - Release #2

Benton City, WA – Currently the fire is estimated to be 7,000 acres and containment has also been estimated at 50%. The exact size is still unknown and will be until IR mapping is complete.

Overnight, the fire did not have much activity and cooler temperatures and less winds are expected throughout today.

State Mobilization resources consisting of approximately 5 strike teams and supervisory positions have been arriving to relieve Fire District resources.

At 0700HRS this morning the Southeast Washington All Hazard Incident Management Team assumed command of this fire, and further information will be released from the IMT. This fire has been made part of the “Benton Complex” consisting of the Red Mountain fire, Hover Park fire, and the Hansen Road Fire. The Hansen Road fire is the fire formally known as the “Yakitat Road Fire.”

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