First COVID-19 and now the Schneider Springs wildfire. Pick your calamity but, either way, the annual Chinook Fest weekend concert at Jim Sprick Community Park has been forced to cancel for the second consecutive year.
The Air Quality in the Yakima Valley is so poor because of the smoke pouring in from the Schneider Springs wildfire that the Yakima County Clean Air Authority as well as the Department of Ecology are calling It "very unhealthy" and nearly "hazardous".
The Schneider Springs fire grew larger in the last 24 hours and has now engulfed over 13,000 acres. The blaze originated approximately 20 miles Northwest of Naches. We asked to see pictures of just how bad the smoke is in your area and here are some of the stunning shots submitted.
Because of wickedly hot temps and dry conditions expected in Yakima County for the next few weeks, the Fire Marshal has declared a burn ban to begin on Friday (June 25).
A wildfire on Konnowac Pass claimed over 1,000 acres and between 75 to 100 firefighters were on the scene. A number of homes near by had to be evacuated. Living a little too close for comfort, I whipped out my phone and tried to capture it on video.
With COVID-19 restrictions and the Yakama Nation announcing today that it will not allow sales of fireworks on the reservation in 2020, along with other towns canceling their shows, you might be wondering if it is still a go in Moxee this year.
The top three days for house fires caused by candles are Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. By following these simple suggestions, you can greatly decrease the risk of possibly life-threatening fire hazards: