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Palouse River Fire near Colfax prompts evacuations in Whitman County
Fire crews from across Whitman County are responding as the blaze grows to about 200 acres and evacuation orders remain in place, officials said.
On Saturday, the Wells Road Fire sparked north of Malden in Eastern Washington, prompting a Level 3 "Go Now!" evacuation order. The blaze grew to 600 acres by evening, according to the Whitman County Sheriff.
Malden residents still struggle with post-traumatic stress from the 2020 Babb Road Fire, which destroyed 80% of the town's homes. Fear of another fire remains high, especially around Labor Day.
Burning an estimated 200 acres, the Palouse River Fire ignited near Colfax on Saturday. Pullman Firefighters ordered immediate evacuations for residents near South Palouse River Road and Chicken Ranch Road.
Firefighters from Pullman and Spokane are battling the incidents, with crews responding across Whitman County. The Sheriff confirmed some structures have been lost.
A red flag warning remains in effect for Eastern Washington through 11 p.m. Saturday due to low humidity and breezy winds. Forecasters warned of "critical fire conditions" across the Palouse, Columbia Basin, and Blue Mountains.