Daily editionTuesday, August 4th, 2026
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 4th of August.
Community
Kaila Homes has partnered with Tri-Cities businesses to host donation drop-off bins for wildfire relief from today until Aug. 14.
The bins are set up at Koala Cafe in Richland, Copper Top Tap House in Kennewick, and Windermere Real Estate in Pasco (others available).
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Environment
Regional fire updates show that Red Sky Fire is 100% contained while Level 1 and 2 evacuations remain near Blewett Pass + near Liberty, and Hagen Fire now covers nearly 40,000 acres prompting additional evacuations.
Smoke lingers today with air quality warnings and highs nearing 100 by week’s end.
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The Benton Clean Air Agency issued an air quality alert as wildfire smoke settles in Benton County and may worsen this week — residents, including children, older adults and those with respiratory issues, are advised to stay indoors until weather changes improve conditions.
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Fire crews worked Monday to contain four brush fires that sparked near Mesa and Connell along a busy highway north of Tri-Cities; by noon, officials reported the fires were contained with only vegetation scorched and no injuries reported.
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Fire officials reported that wildfires on Aug. 3 damaged homes in the Old Trails fire zone and Indian Trail neighborhood in Washington — crews continue to assess the impact.
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Government
Governor Bob Ferguson held a press conference on Aug. 3 to recognize first responders battling the state's wildfires - officials stressed ongoing efforts to deploy resources and support affected communities.
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Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and banned outdoor burning from August 1 until September 30 due to high fire risks from drought and high winds — local officials urge residents to check local restrictions and prepare for possible wildland evacuations.
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WSDOT has closed segments of SR 291 between Assembly Street and Seven Mile Road, US 97 Blewett Pass between mileposts 150 and 178, and SR 155 from Omak to Nespelem due to active wildfires near the Tri-Cities today — motorists are urged to check updates and avoid detours.
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Kennewick Events
Noah Johnston Jazz Orchestra Live
Friday, August 7th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — Kennewick High School Auditorium — Free entry — Experience an enchanting evening of live jazz music with the Noah Johnston Jazz Orchestra.