Residents allowed to return after threat of ammonia tank explosion forced evacuations

WARDEN, Wash. — Neighbors in the town of Warden in Grant County were told they could return to their homes early Friday after they were forced to evacuate due to a fire at a potato plant Thursday.

The Washington Potato Company facility in Warden caught fire after a dehydration unit malfunctioned.

Deputies said there was a risk of an ammonia tank explosion at the plant.

A level 3 evacuation notice was issued for all areas west of Road U Southeast and south of SR 170. SR 170 was closed in both directions.

Just before 1 a.m. Friday, the evacuation order was lifted.

No injuries were reported.