Officials provide updates on Eastern WA wildfires
By Terry Murry on Monday, August 21st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
EASTERN WASHINGTON – Three fires continue to burn throughout eastern Washington — the Gray and Oregon Road fires in Spokane County and the Winona fire in Whitman County — all of which have prompted evacuations and forced the state to send in crews to help local firefighters. The causes of all three fires remain under investigation.
Gray Fire: The fire, which was first reported Friday afternoon, has grown to an estimated 10,014 acres and is 10 percent contained. First responders report one person was killed, but stated it is not clear if the fire actually caused the death. It’s estimated that 185 buildings have been destroyed.
Spokane County Fire District No. 3 Chief Cody Rohrbach said Sunday that shifting winds has pushed the fire, which started west of Medical Lake, to the southwest and it continues to burn along and spotting across Interstate 90, which remains closed.
Avista is working on repairing downed lines and replacing power poles to restore power to this area.
Rohrbach said smoke is creating low visibility for aircraft, which is limiting the amount of air support that’s able to respond as current conditions make it hazardous for the pilots. He added he’s focused on getting people living in the area back to their homes once firefighters are able to reduce evacuations.
Oregon Fire (also known as Oregon Road Fire): Located approximately 4 miles north of Elk, the fire has burned 9,278 acres since it was first reported Friday afternoon. The fire is zero percent contained. A large area east and southeast of Elk is under a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation. An evacuation center has been set up at Riverside High School, 4120 E. Deer Park Milan Rd., in Chattaroy.
Due to smoke limiting visibility, air resources were not able to fly on the fire Saturday.
Winona Fire: Burning in grass and brush, this fire is threatening cropland, rangeland, and primary and secondary structures. The fire, which also started Friday afternoon, is 2,525 acres in size and 40 percent contained. One primary structure was destroyed and another was damaged, along with several secondary structures during the initial outbreak.
Photo of Gray Fire via Spokane Valley Fire Department
