ASOTIN, WA – Firefighters from several agencies contained a 90-acre wildland fire Thursday afternoon about eight miles south of Asotin.
The fire was first reported shortly after 3 p.m. in an area without formal fire protection before spreading into the Blue Mountain Fire District. It threatened two homes and several outbuildings.
Responding units included Blue Mountain Fire District, Asotin County Fire District #1, the City of Asotin Fire Department, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Forest Service.
A coordinated aerial response, funded through state resources, supported ground crews. Two helicopters, two Single Engine Air Tankers, and an air attack coordination plane were deployed.
Crews worked through the afternoon to contain the blaze, which was declared under control at about 7 p.m. Firefighters remained on scene into the evening to secure the perimeter and monitor for flare-ups, with most crews released shortly after dark.
Preliminary investigation indicates the fire was sparked by a landowner mowing dry grass during the heat of the afternoon. One firefighter sustained a minor hand injury and was treated on scene.
Fire officials are urging residents to use extreme caution with equipment and outdoor work during current dry conditions.
