Fire surpasses 11,000 acres in Whitman, Garfield counties

A fire in Whitman and Garfield counties has spread to more than 11,000 acres, threatening structures and crops and prompting evacuations.

The fire was reported Tuesday and jumped the Snake River near Colton, Uniontown, Clarkston and Pomeroy. The Washington State Patrol has ordered state firefighters to mobilize.

Campers may have inadvertently started the Snake River Fire, according to the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. Several witnesses told investigators that two young men crossed the river in a small raft to camp Monday night near Granite Point. The fire is believed to have started in that area.

The Fire Protection Bureau also ordered 10 wildland strike teams, four hand crews and aircraft to fight the fire, according to a WSP news release.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said the fire doesn’t appear to be threatening homes.

Several roads in the area around Wawawai County Park remained closed Wednesday.