Saturday conditions aligning for 'catastrophic' fire

WHITMAN COUNTY—A thick stand of dry wheat along with dry, windy conditions Saturday have set the stage for a potentially massive fire in Whitman County.

“If something gets going, it (has) potential for a catastrophic event,” said Bill Tensfeld, Rosalia Fire Chief and Whitman County Emergency Management Director. The National Weather Service has elevated Saturday to Critical Fire Weather Conditions. Fires will be able to spread rapidly during Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, according to NWS.

This year’s bumper crop has increased the density of potential fire fodder. Area farmers also pl...