COLUMBIA COUNTY, Wash. – The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) has authorized state fire assistance to support Columbia County fire crews in fighting the 200-acre Highway 261 Fire.
The fire started at around 1:19 p.m. on May 28 near Starbuck and Lyons Ferry. It is reportedly growing in size and actively burning grass and sagebrush while threatening rangeland and electrical infrastructure.
To help fight the fire, a strike team, a hand crew and a helicopter were ordered through the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan.
Among the mobilized crews are units from the Walla Walla Fire Department, College Place Fire Department and Walla Walla County Fire Districts 4 and 8.
SFMO says no evacuations are in effect and the fire’s cause is under investigation.
