Single Publication

Colton, Whitman Co. - The Nisqually John was reported around 8:30am on Friday June 14th.  It is located approximately 7 miles southwest of the town Colton in Whitman Co., in Whitman County Fire District #14.   

Today, Scattered showers and higher relative humidities will help reduce fire behavior, however, winds are forecasted for 25 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 40 mph, which has the potential for another day of rapid fire spread.  As of yesterday, fire progression had stopped and the fire was partially lined with fire retardant.  Wildland fire crews will work towards containment of the fire and additional crews will be arriving throughout the day.

Yesterday, sustained winds 15 to 20 mph, with higher gusts, possibly as high as 30 mph, aligning with topography helped to rapidly spread the fire.  Ground crews, working with aerial support, primarily helicopters and water scoopers helped to slow the spread of the fire.  Several structures within Steptoe Canyon were considered threatened, along with railroad tracks and high tension (main transmission lines) power lines.   Surrounding fire districts in Whitman Co., Asotin Co., Wheatland Fire District, and the cities of Moscow and Clarkston responded to the fire.  Given the values at risk, State Mobilization was requested.

The Nisqually John fire is 0% contained and is estimated at 1150 acres.  As crews begin to map the fire, this acreage will change.  Steptoe Canyon Road and Wawawai Road along the Snake River are currently open, but wildland crews are working in the area and the public is requested to avoid the area for the safety of the crews.

 Whitman County Fire District Deputy Fire Chief Nick Bell and Washington State Patrol (State Mobilization) have assigned management of the fire to Northeast Washington Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team #2 as of 6:00am on June 15th.

The incident command post is located at the Colton High School in Colton WA.  Fire information contact is Isabelle Hoygaard Reeser at 509-800-7550.