WHITMAN COUNTY, WA – State fire assistance has been mobilized to support local crews battling the Central Ferry Fire, which has grown to an estimated 600 acres since igniting late Wednesday morning near the town of Dusty.

According to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire began around 11:30 a.m. on August 13 and is burning through grass, wheat, and brush. It is threatening homes, infrastructure, and agricultural resources in the area.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources at 1:30 p.m., following a request from Whitman County Fire District 13 Chief Peter Appel. Air resources have been ordered to assist with containment efforts.

Evacuations and Emergency Coordination
Level 2 “Set” evacuation warnings are in effect for residents in Central Ferry, north to Dusty, from Highway 26 at Dusty to Wilcox, and south to Almota. Level 1 alerts are also in place for surrounding areas.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is partially activated at Level 2 to coordinate state assistance. Fire Protection Bureau mobilization specialists are directing resources under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, which facilitates rapid deployment of personnel and equipment when incidents exceed local capacity.

The cause of the fire has not been released, and containment levels have not yet been reported.

More information about the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan can be found at wsp.wa.gov/all-risk-mobilization.