Fast-Moving Fire Grows to 30,000 Acres
A lightning-sparked wildfire near Palouse Falls in south-central Washington has burned between 20,000 and 30,000 acres, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as firefighting crews battle the blaze across multiple jurisdictions.
The Lyons Ferry Fire ignited Wednesday night approximately 10 miles south of Washtucna after lightning strikes from fast-moving thunderstorms swept across Adams, Franklin, and Whitman Counties. The fire spread rapidly northward and eastward, prompting state mobilization of resources Thursday and Level 3 evacuation notices issued early Friday morning.
Evacuations affected residents on Charles Tobin, Hammer Grade, Hooper Canyon, McGregor, Rock Springs, Thomas Flat Roads, and Old State Route 26. State Route 261 closed for a 15-mile stretch from its junction with State Route 260 to the vicinity of Perry and Lyons Ferry State Park. State Route 26 also experienced brief closure due to fire activity.
As of reporting, zero structures have been damaged or destroyed, and no injuries have been reported. However, the fire threatens dozens of homes and thousands of acres of agricultural land in the region, including areas near a major fish hatchery.
Multiple Fires Sparked by Single Weather System
The Lyons Ferry Fire is one of nearly six wildfires ignited by Wednesday’s lightning strikes across the three-county area. Three additional fires are burning simultaneously: the Devils Canyon Fire, Neff Jones Fire, and Wallace Walker Fire, located near Kahlotus, Mesa, and Windust State Park respectively. Together, these additional fires have consumed thousands of combined acres of rangeland and cropland.
Whitman County Fire District No. 8 is coordinating suppression efforts and has received mutual aid assistance from other Washington fire jurisdictions. Aerial suppression operations deployed fixed-wing aircraft for water drops in an effort to slow the fire’s advance and protect structures and agricultural resources.
Fire officials are investigating the origin of all fires, though lightning strikes from Wednesday’s thunderstorms are the suspected cause of each blaze.
What Comes Next
Firefighting operations are expected to continue as crews work to contain the Lyons Ferry Fire and the three additional nearby fires. Evacuation notices remain in effect for affected areas, and residents should monitor official channels for updates on road closures and evacuation status.
The incident underscores the elevated wildfire risk in the region during summer months. Moscow Fire Department has previously warned of elevated wildfire risk during peak summer conditions, and residents across north-central Idaho and neighboring Washington counties are advised to remain vigilant. For those in evacuation zones or nearby areas, wildfire safety protocols and evacuation procedures should be reviewed in advance of fire season.