broke out just as I pedaled along the bike trail there late this afternoon, with fire fighting crews responding quickly because of the early reports called in by observers on the lake. This small fire was either ignited by a railroad-caused spark or a careless smoker sitting on a bench along the trail. It is very fortunate that it did not grow into anything larger, thanks to the fire crews on continuous standby right now. Kudos to the crews!
Railroad grade on the right and Fish Lake on the left behind the trees. The fire may have started where the crew is working with the hose on the right, next to the rail line. Alternatively, a smoker sitting on a trail side bench near the red vehicle could be the source.
Station 31 responded from Cheney, as well as several engines from the Department of Natural Resources, utilizing the Fish Lake bicycle trail for closest access.
The fire was entirely contained between the railroad grade and the bicycle trail. The ~10 mph winds pushed it into this narrow strip of brush and trees with the paved trail serving as a fire break. Lucky this time.
UPDATE: The morning after the fire in a view towards the northeast showing the basalt ridge on which it ran, with the railroad in the cut on the right. No more than one acre burned. Again, very lucky.