Washington State is responding to the Barstow Road Fire, which began yesterday evening near Prescott in Walla Walla County. According to the Washington State Patrol, the fire has grown to an estimated 2,000 acres and is affecting brush, grass, local agriculture, and conservation lands.
State Patrol Chief John Batiste approved state fire assistance following a request from Fire Chief Jim Ruffcorn of the North County Fire District. Level 1 evacuations have been issued, indicating a potential threat to public safety. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
In response, the State Emergency Operations Center has moved to Level 3 to coordinate state assistance. The Fire Protection Bureau has deployed three strike teams and air support as part of the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan. Personnel from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting both on the ground and remotely.
Updates on the fire and mobilization efforts are being posted on the Washington State Patrol’s website.
