Haze expected to linger on the Palouse

A wildfire in Malden that burned approximately 350 acres of land Wednesday was likely caused by farm machinery, Whitman County Fire District 7 Chief Bill Tensfeld told the Daily News on Thursday.

Two strike teams of wildland fire engines, two 20-man hand crews and a bulldozer were sent to the location Thursday.

Whitman County Fire District 7 volunteers in Rosalia first responded to the scene Wednesday afternoon, along with firefighters from Spokane County, St. John, Oakesdale, Garfield, Palouse, Fire District 11 and Fire District 12 between Wednesday and Thursday.

Tensfeld said the fire has died down since then, though it remained at zero percent containment Thursday afternoon. Residents have not been required to evacuate the area and no homes have been destroyed.

Tensfeld said the fire is expected to be contained today or Saturday.

Another fire west of Knotgrass Road in Pomeroy was also likely caused by farm machinery Wednesday, Asotin County Fire District 1 Assistant Chief Mike Hohman told the Daily News. The fire burned approximately 500 acres of land. It was previously reported to be burning in Garfield County before it was determined to be burning solely in Asotin County on Wednesday night, Hohman said. It was 100 percent contained Thursday afternoon. There were no homes lost or injuries.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality forecast and caution to Latah County residents Thursday in response to dozens of wildfires in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Canada that have covered the Palouse in a haze of smoke this week.

Though air quality for Latah County is currently categorized at moderate, DEQ air quality analyst Melissa Rhein said conditions could deteriorate rapidly based on fire activity and winds in the coming days.

"We're not anticipating it getting anywhere near the hazardous categories at this point," Rhein said.

Smoke is expected to linger in the county through Saturday and Sunday, with relief expected Monday, Rhein said.

An air quality alert from the Washington Department of Ecology is in effect for Whitman County until noon Saturday.

Rhein recommended those sensitive to the smoke take precautions to stay safe during the dry weather.

"Stay inside," Rhein said. "That's the best thing to do. Stay out of the smoke as much as possible."

Keep doors and windows closed and make sure air conditioners are set to a recycle mode to ensure air is not brought in the home from outside, Rhein said. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. Those with medications should make sure they have enough on hand.

Avista announced Wednesday it would take extra precautions reenergizing power lines in rural and forested areas in response to wildfire dangers in the region.

"During the current dry weather conditions, Avista's line personnel will physically patrol an outage area before a line is placed back into service. This temporary change in operations could lead to longer outage times," Avista announced in a press release.

Taylor Nadauld can be reached at (208) 883-4630, by email to tnadauld@dnews.com and on Twitter @tnadauldarg.