Flames erupt in Kahlotus, Sprague and other towns

MALDEN - Wildfire raced through several nearby communities, destroying homes, businesses, outbuildings and even a City Hall.

Franklin County officials reported one fire had destroyed homes along Kahlotus Pasco Road and near Basin City.

In Sprague, a fire broke out in sage and dry grass on the north side of town. Residents broke out fire houses and doused the grass close to residential areas as the fire reportedly consumed a barn and a vacant home.

Lucas Becker and several other residents grabbed hoses to keep the fire from spreading.

"My house was in real danger for a while," Harry Becker said, noting his son didn't hesitate to grab the garden hose to get to work with other neighbors.

"I was out here trying to break it down before the fire department," Harry Becker said. "But he's been doing the most. He's been out there the whole time."East of Sprague, schools in St. John and Endicott were shuttered Tuesday after fire raced across dry grass, wheat fields and timber from the Rosalia area to west of Pine City.

The fire destroyed Malden City Hall, a gas station and the post office. Officials said about 75 percent of the homes were destroyed after the town was evacuated.

In Pine City, one of the grain elevators burned; as did at least one home.

A fire was also reported in rural Lincoln County, and state Highway 28 was closed between Davenport and Harrington.

At press time, fire information was limited.

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