WHITMAN COUNTY, Wash. — Fire crews are responding to a wildfire burning near Almota, south of Colfax and west of Pullman, along the Snake River.
The Whitman County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) said the fire is burning around 4,000 acres. WCSO says no evacuations are currently in place and Sheriff Brett Myers said Thursday no structures were threatened or lost.
The Washington State Fire Marshals Office said the fire started around 4 p.m. on Wednesday and is burning in remote fields.
The fire is being called the Long Hollow Fire. WCSO says it is thought to have been started by a lightning strike. Wednesday night's storm brought 50 mile-per-hour winds to the area.
Sheriff Myers said the storm didn't bring any rain to the spot where the fire started.
"They didn't get a single drop, and instead, they got 45-50 mile an hour winds and lightning and that's a pretty rough combination," Myers said.
The state fire marshals quickly mobilized state resources overnight Wednesday, bringing in air support to reach the remote fire.
"Getting on that quick, recognizing a fire that size is, 'We need help,'" Sheriff Myers said. "That's really key and critical. It's difficult terrain. You can't just drive brush trucks and put 100 people on the ground in a situation like that."
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated to help coordinate assistance. Fire marshals say two strike teams, a hand crew, a bulldozer and air support are helping.
"The firefighters and state mob crews in there have stopped that forward progress," Sheriff Myers said.
WCSO advises residents to avoid the area to allow fire crews to work safely.
It's estimated it could take a day or two before the flames are out.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.