Usually, it’s a call that clears the Benton Fire District 2 hall. This week it was for soccer practice.

After weeks of practice being canceled because of snow and frigid cold, three teams with the Three Rivers Soccer Club were allowed to use the Benton City fire hall to practice before a recent game.

Subfreezing weather and icy conditions had ended the players’ normal twice-a-week practice on a field under the lights at Chiawana High School in Pasco.

And other indoor facilities were booked by other sports teams. The girls hadn’t practiced since Christmas.

That’s when soccer mom Caren Wheeler, the District 2 secretary, had an idea.

“This winter has been odd. I have never seen a situation like they are in right now,” she said. “I was sitting here, desperate, and wondered what it would take to move the trucks out and use the bay.”

The chief and fire district officials agreed to move the fire trucks and ambulances outside, as long as the temperature was above freezing.

Eighteen players from the 1999-2000 Green Team, 2001 Green Team and 2002 Green Team showed up. The teams often borrow players from each other, making it easier to practice.

Wheeler said the teams have players from throughout the south-central Washington area, including the Tri-Cities, Kiona-Benton City, Othello and Hermiston.

“Last year, we had a girl from Selah drive down,” she said. “It’s the highest competitive league in Washington state.”

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