Brush Fire Snarls Traffic on Highway 240 Monday

It wasn't a big fire, but it backed up cars for several miles.

Fire crews were called to Highway 240, Eastbound into Kennewick Monday afternoon for a small but creeping fire that slowed traffic for a bit.

The fire was only 4-5 feet wide, but traveled down the median next to the shoulder for at least 100 feet.   The blaze affected the Eastbound lanes on the highway,   just South of the Columbia Park golfcourse.

Crews were able to quickly get it under control, but officials say it highlights the high fire danger in our area.

Despite cooler temps expected starting Wednesday,   fire danger is high, and Gov. Inslee last Friday extended the open burn ban in Benton and Franklin counties.

(Photo by Al Holman, Townsquare Media)