Debris from fires causes irrigation canal flooding

BENTON COUNTY, Wash.-- Crews are working to repair damage to an irrigation canal and roadway in the Finley area after the canal flooded.

According to the Benton County Sheriff's Office, debris from Monday's wildfires ended up in the irrigation canal operated by Columbia Irrigation District, causing it to back-up. 

Ultimately, the irrigation water started to overflow its banks in the area of E. Bryson Brown Rd. west of Finley Road.

Sgt. Jason Erickson says there was no canal breech, but the overflow washed out a portion of the roadway, and left about two feet of mud and water, forcing the closure of that section of road.

CID crews have been on the scene since early this morning, and drivers are asked to please avoid the area.