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, but residents in the area are advised to be ready to leave if necessary.
The Washington State Fire Marshals Office said the fire started around 4 p.m. on Wednesday and is burning in remote fields. They say it is threatening homes, crops and rangeland.
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 Brett Meyers 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 said state fire assistance has been mobilized due to the size of the fire.
The lack of rain allowed to quickly reach 4,000 acres as of last check.
"Getting on that quick, recognizing a fire that size is we need help," 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 have been requested.
"But the firefighters and state mob crews in there have stopped that forward progress," 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.