City of Colfax, WA Fire Department

08/22/2026

Yes, there is another Red Flag Warning in effect today. The chance of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and low humidity will promote rapid fire growth. As always, we ask you to please refrain from any activity that could spark a fire.

08/13/2026

This evening, we were dispatched to a vehicle fire. We arrived to a semi truck with the rear axle of the trailer on fire. Thankfully the fire was extinguished with minimal damage to the trailer and cargo. Even more fortunately, the fire broke out in an open area which helped prevent it from spreading to brush or structures. This serves as a great reminder of how staying on top of maintenance on vehicles of all types can go a long way in preventing wildfires.

08/09/2026

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all our neighboring districts for their assistance on the Palouse River Fire in Whitman County Fire District #11. Every district in Whitman County that did not have units committed to the Wells Road fire near Malden sent aid to us, and some districts sent help to both fires. We had help from outside the county, with Potlatch providing help for initial attack, and Moscow, Troy and Deary helping staff a night shift so our crew could rest. Thank you to all!!

08/09/2026

Thank you, everyone, for your patience as we try to get information out about the Palouse River Fire. Our volunteers with Whitman County Fire District #11 were first on scene and worked through much of the night, so that has been our focus. The State Mobilization Team has taken over most of the operations, giving our volunteers some much needed rest. Here is what we can share at this time:
Evacuations have been downgraded to Level 2: Be Set.
Forward progression of the fire was halted last night.
More accurate mapping by the state team puts the fire around 600 acres.
No homes were lost, other damages are being assessed.

If you do not live in the area, please avoid traveling through it. There are still fire and utility personnel working throughout the area.

08/09/2026

Thank you Whitman County Sheriff's Office for keeping the information about these fires coming. Their page will be a good source of updates for a while as our crews will be busy working on the South Palouse River Fire until State resources arrive later today

08/08/2026

Important information for North County residents

Update 5:17 PM - Town of Rosalia evacuation order has been updated to level 2.

Update 3:54 PM Town of Rosalia is now under a Level 1 Evacuation Order

ROSALIA — LEVEL 1 (GET READY)
The Town of Rosalia is now under a Level 1 evacuation notice. Residents should be alert, prepare to evacuate, and closely monitor conditions.

🚨 LEVEL 3 – GO NOW – TOWN OF MALDEN 🚨

The Town of Malden is under a Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation due to a rapidly developing wildfire in the area of John Tye Road.

Pullman firefighters, Spokane firefighters, and fire districts from across Whitman County are en route to assist with the incident.

⚠️ LEVEL 3 MEANS GO NOW. Residents in the evacuation area should leave immediately. Do not delay.

Please avoid the area and keep roads clear for evacuating residents and incoming emergency resources.

We will share additional information as it becomes available.

08/07/2026

We’re probably starting to sound like a broken record, but we’ve got another Red Flag warning. It is in effect from today at 11:00 am until tomorrow at 11:00 pm. Wind and low relative humidity will promote rapid growth of new and existing fires. Avoid any activity that could spark a fire.

08/04/2026

If you haven’t already heard, all of Washington is under a statewide burn ban until September 30th. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

Yard debris burning,
Trash disposal,
Land clearing,
W**d abatement,
Bonfires, and
Campfires not contained in structures such as fire rings.

Please note that some activities not directly prohibited by this ban may still be restricted on certain days due to fire danger or air quality concerns.

The full text of the emergency declaration and burn ban can be found here:https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/26-03%20-%20Wildfires%20-%20Burn%20Ban.pdf

08/03/2026

This is very important message. The need to leave the airspace free for firefighting operations cannot be overstated

🚁 Air support is critical in the fight against large wildfires.

If you fly a drone near a wildfire, firefighting aircraft may be forced to stop flying, delaying water and retardant drops when they're needed most.

If You Fly, They Can't. Please keep drones grounded and help keep our firefighters and pilots safe.

08/03/2026

Our crew returned safely last evening from the Spokane Area Fires. We are glad that we were able to provide some assistance, and our hearts are with our neighbors during this devastating time.