Malden WA Wells Road Fire: Map and evacuation updates as blaze affects Spokane and Whitman counties
Update (8:22pm EDT): A Level 3 evacuation order, meaning “Go Now” has been issued for all of Malden, according to a Wireless Emergency Alert from Whitman County Emergency Management, shared via PBS Warn. A Level 2 “Be Ready” evacuation has also been issued for Rosalia.
The fire has grown to approximately 600 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
Initial story: A wildfire has broken out in the 400 block of John Tye Rd in Rosalia, near the Spokane and Whitman County line, Washington. The fire is now known as the Wells Road Fire, according to Watch Duty.
Wildfire north of Malden prompts evacuation
Whitman County Sheriff’s Office and nearby fire agencies learned of a wildfire burning north of Malden earlier in the day, according to a Facebook post by the Sheriff’s Office.
The blaze has grown to about 200 acres and strong winds are pushing it toward the towns of Malden and Pine City.
Residents can check fire map and evacuation updates here.
Given how fast conditions are changing and the risk to these communities, the Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to residents about evacuating. People in the affected areas are being told to stay alert, keep an eye on official alerts, and be ready to leave if instructed.
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Firefighting teams from across Whitman County, including those from the Pullman area and other nearby districts, have been called in to help battle the flames.
“The situation remains active and conditions may change rapidly. Additional information will be released as it becomes available,” Sheriff’s Office wrote.