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Malden WA Wells Road Fire: Map and evacuation updates as blaze affects Spokane and Whitman counties
A fast-moving wildfire called the Wells Road Fire has grown to about 200 acres, prompting evacuations.
Update (8:22pm EDT): A Level 3 evacuation order, meaning “Go Now” has been issued for all of Malden, according to a Wireless Emergency Alert from Whitman County Emergency Management, shared via PBS Warn. A Level 2 “Be Ready” evacuation has also been issued for Rosalia.
The fire has grown to approximately 600 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
Initial story: A wildfire has broken out in the 400 block of John Tye Rd in Rosalia, near the Spokane and Whitman County line, Washington. The fire is now known as the Wells Road Fire, according to Watch Duty.
Wildfire north of Malden prompts evacuation
Whitman County Sheriff's Office and nearby fire agencies learned of a wildfire burning north of Malden earlier in the day, according to a Facebook post by the Sheriff's Office.
The blaze has grown to about 200 acres and strong winds are pushing it toward the towns of Malden and Pine City.
Residents can check fire map and evacuation updates here.
Given how fast conditions are changing and the risk to these communities, the Sheriff's Office is reaching out to residents about evacuating. People in the affected areas are being told to stay alert, keep an eye on official alerts, and be ready to leave if instructed.
Also Read: Burbank Walnut Fire: Map and evacuation updates as blaze burns near Wildwood Canyon Road
Firefighting teams from across Whitman County, including those from the Pullman area and other nearby districts, have been called in to help battle the flames.
“The situation remains active and conditions may change rapidly. Additional information will be released as it becomes available,” Sheriff's Office wrote.
Evacuation requested for Malden, Spokane County now on alert
An evacuation for the town of Malden has been requested per law enforcement radio traffic cited by Watch Duty.
Spokane County will now receive notifications for this fire due to its proximity to the county line.
The cause of fire is unknown.
Malden's history with wildfires
Malden is a small town, home to about 216 residents as per the 2020 census. The town has faced wildfire devastation before, in September 2020, it lost 80% of its structures to a fire, including its fire station, post office, city hall, library, Masonic Lodge, and several homes, as per KREM.
As per reports, that fire was part of a larger crisis in eastern Washington, where three wildfires in the Spokane area destroyed more structures than any other fire on record in the state. Thousands of people were displaced.
