CLARKSTON, WA – Firefighters have made significant progress on the Snake River Fire burning west of Clarkston, increasing containment to 70% as crews continue mopping up hotspots and securing fire lines.

The fire, which started June 12 along Wawawai Road about four miles west of Clarkston, remains at 686 acres. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

According to a Sunday evening update, firefighters spent the day cold trailing the fire’s perimeter, locating and extinguishing lingering heat sources and strengthening containment lines. Crews also worked approximately 150 feet inside the fire perimeter, searching for and extinguishing any remaining hotspots.

Fire managers said steep, rocky terrain and unseasonably hot temperatures slowed operations as firefighters worked carefully to maintain safety while accessing difficult areas of the fire.

State mobilization resources also evaluated structures threatened in the Moses community. With fire activity remaining minimal throughout the day, two 20-person hand crews were reassigned to other emerging incidents in the region.

A total of 116 personnel remain assigned to the fire, including a state mobilization strike team consisting of five engines and a water tender, along with medical support personnel.

The Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team #1 assumed command of the incident on June 13.

No evacuations or road closures are currently in effect.

Weather conditions Sunday included a high temperature of 91 degrees, a low of 55 degrees, mostly clear skies and northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph.