Wildfire Burning in Asotin, Garfield Counties Prompts Evacuations

A wildfire near my hometown of Clarkston, Washington, has sparked Level 3 evacuations near Highway 12.

State Mobilization Ordered as Wildfire Near Clarkston Threatens Homes

The fire (which isn’t contained at this writing) started yesterday about 10 miles west of Clarkston along Highway 12.

Firefighters Race to Stop Wind-Driven Wildfire West of Clarkston

The Asotin County Fire Department, along with Garfield County Fire, Whitman County Fire District 14, Moscow Fire Department, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, has rushed to the scene and has been working on the fire since yesterday.

READ NOW: Yakima County Hit With 3.3 Earthquake

Dozens of aircraft have been called in, and fortunately, a motorist at mile marker 423 reported the fire as it made its way upslope.

The fire eventually pushed over a ridge and moved toward homes along Westlake Drive. A Level 1 evacuation notice was issued, followed by a Level 2 evacuation. As the wind pushed the fire over the ridgeline and closer to homes, a Level 3 evacuation was ordered.

As the fire teams work to get the fire under control, boaters are advised to stay out of the area as aircraft will continue to drop water through Wednesday.

Drivers traveling on Highway 12 are also urged to use extra caution as firefighters and emergency vehicles are working in and around the fire area.

So far, over 750 acres have burned, but fortunately, no structures have been lost.

You can read more details about the fire here.