Michelle and Columbia Crest wineries. Cold Creek Vineyard grapes are used in Chateau Ste. Michelle chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Steve Burns, executive director of the Washington Wine Commission in Seattle, monitored the fire Wednesday and Thursday. He said owners of wineries and vineyards on Red Mountain near Benton City were concerned as the blaze came close, but the fire caused no damage.
Red Mountain is home to some of Washington's finest wine grape vineyards.
The fire destroyed at least 25 homes in Benton City and caused about 7,000 people to be evacuated late Wednesday. One man was seriously burned, and 10 people were treated for smoke inhalation. The fire has burned about 180,000 acres so far, mostly arid sagebrush.