WHITMAN COUNTY, Wash. – A motor home engulfed in flames is blocking northbound lanes on State Route 127 at Penewawa Road. Northbound lanes are now blocked.
Additionally, the fire has spread to the grass next to the Penawawa road and has grown 600 acres, leading to level 1 and 2 evacuation orders.
Washington State Patrol Sergeant Greg Riddell said that a vehicle fire was reported at 11:50 a.m., which turned out to be a motor home that had caught on fire heading north on State Route 127.
Riddell also said that the vehicle fire spread and led to a wildland fire, which Whitman County Fire District #11 said they were responding to near south of Dusty along State Route 127.
Whitman County Fire District #11 said that evacuations are underway. They also said that they put out a mutual aid call for all fire units at 12:40 p.m.
Washington Emergency Management Division said that the wildfire is now 600 acres and growing. The fire is growing through grass, wheat and brush.
At 12:50 p.m., Washington State Department of Transportation said that due to the vehicle fire, the northbound lane will be blocked starting at 12:37 p.m. until further notice and that travelers should use other routes and avoid the area.
