State Fire Assistance Authorized For 2 More Eastern WA Wildfires

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Fire Marshal's Office has authorized state help to assist at two new wildfires burning in Eastern Washington, officials announced Wednesday.

The Asotin Complex Fire ignited Wednesday morning and was estimated at 300 acres and growing, threatening homes and rangeland. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste signed off on state resources by 10 a.m., and the state Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray was working to coordinate help. At first, officials said only air resources were needed.

In Whitman County, the Wilma Fire ignited Wednesday morning near Clarkston, officials said. That fire's size was estimated at 70 acres and growing, threatening rangeland, crops and high-voltage power lines. The state OK'd air resources to help at the fire, and other personnel was en route to help coordinate ongoing efforts.

State resources authorized earlier this week for the Andrus Fire, burning in Spokane County, and the Batterman Fire, burning in Douglas County near East Wenatchee.

The two latest fires come just a day after Gov. Jay Inslee declared a wildfire state of emergency for all 39 of Washington's counties, citing recent heat and worsening drought conditions in much of the state. The governor's order includes a new state-level limited burn ban and will stay in place through September unless conditions improve.