DAYTON, WA – State fire assistance has been mobilized in support of local firefighters working to contain the Highway 261 Fire located in Columbia County, near the town of Starbuck.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on May 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Mark Hall, Columbia County Fire District 1.

The Highway 261 Fire started on May 28, 2025, at approximately 1:19 p.m. This fire is estimated at 200 acres and growing. It is burning in grass and sage brush and is threatening rangeland and electrical infrastructure. No evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is currently activated to Level 3, enhanced monitoring, to help coordinate state assistance for the Highway 261 Fire. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one strike team, one hand crew, and a helicopter to aid in containment efforts. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route to the scene and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.