Wawawai canyon fire

COLTON - Firefighters were called to battle a canyon fire on Wawawai Road near Nisqually John Landing this morning at approximately 8:30 a.m., Friday, June 14.

Firefighters could be seen watching and communicating with air support along Wawawai Road.

District 14 Deputy Fire Chief Nick Bell said that there was no determined cause of the fire.

"A county wide mutual aid call was made for assistance," said Bell, noting that it was zero percent contained as of 12:30 p.m., June 14, and was an estimated 200 to 300 acres burning.

To assist with the flames were Colton and Uniontown District 14, Wheatland Fire Protection District of Lewiston, Oakesdale Fire District 10, Pullman Fire District, Asotin County Fire District 1, Clarkston and Moscow.

Bell said that they closed the river and the roads.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid Wawawai Road and Steptoe Canyon Road if at all possible. Bell said that the water access on the Snake River is shut down in the area for air resources to get to the water.

"Our biggest benefit right now is House Bill 1498," said Bell "First year with access to air resources right away."

Bell said there were three helicopters and multiple planes for air assistance. "An air attack all made available by the house bill," Bell said.