DNR goes after construction companies after Taylor Bridge Wildfire
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is suing two construction companies over last year’s Taylor Bridge Wildfire in Kittitas County.
The suit, filed Friday, claims Conway Construction Company and Rainier Steel, Inc. were negligent while welding. Investigators said that’s what sparked the fast moving fire. DNR says the companies did not clear away flammable material, control sparks or have the proper fire equipment onsite.
The Taylor Bridge Fire burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed 61 homes in August . More than $11 million was spent to put the fire out.
DNR is trying to recoup their costs, which were about $5 million. Those costs do not include loss of private property or impact to public land or infrastructure.