Steptoe Canyon Wildfire starts in Whitman County 10 miles west of Clarkston
Local crews began fighting the Steptoe Canyon Fire in Whitman County around 2:30 Thursday morning. The cause is unofficial, but crews believe lightning sparked the fire.
The fire is around 10 miles west of Clarkston. Officials say its size is now over 1,000 acres.
Local crews quickly ordered state mobilization which was granted at 6:00 a.m.
Smoke from the fire quickly filled the LC Valley degrading air quality.
Just after 11:00 a.m., multiple air resources including fire bosses, helicopters, and more arrived to fight the Steptoe Canyon Fire.
A crew from the Lick Creek Fire in Asotin and Garfield Counties helped with the initial attack.
Crews on the ground are facing challenges with steep terrain and limited access into the area.
Steptoe Canyon Road is closed to give fire crews room to work.
