Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX — State fire assistance has been mobilized to support local firefighters in their efforts to contain the Long Hollow Fire.
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state resources at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, following a request from Fire Chief Peter Appel of Whitman County Fire District 13.
The Long Hollow Fire ignited around 4 p.m. and has now spread to an estimated 1,000 acres, with potential for further growth.
The fire is burning through grass and brush, posing a threat to homes, crops, and rangeland in the area. Level 2 and 3 evacuations are currently in effect for those in the fire’s path.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered additional resources, including two strike teams, a hand crew and a bulldozer, to assist with containment. Personnel from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are en route to the scene and coordinating efforts remotely.
The mobilization of state resources is being carried out under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, which allows the state to quickly dispatch personnel, equipment, and other resources when local jurisdictions are overwhelmed by fires, disasters or other emergencies.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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