Six years after a fire destroyed about 80% of Malden in Whitman County, a new wildfire once again approached the town. This time, however, firefighters and residents managed to prevent a repeat of the disaster. According to local resident Tammy VanDyke, people were better prepared, and the necessary services arrived in time.
The Wells Road Fire began Saturday and spread quickly because of strong winds. By Sunday evening, the fire had burned about 2,000 acres, while the nearby Palouse River Fire had reached roughly 600 acres. Both fires remained uncontrolled, destroying farmland, equipment and outbuildings.
The Wells Road Fire destroyed at least one home and several outbuildings—four structures in total. The Palouse River Fire destroyed two more buildings east of Colfax. The following day, firefighters continued dousing smoldering areas and extinguishing isolated hot spots along Wells Road.
Authorities lowered the evacuation alert levels for Malden and Rosalia after advising residents the previous day to leave their homes. Malden was placed at Level 2—“be prepared to evacuate”—while Rosalia was placed at Level 1—“be ready.” At Level 1, residents should monitor updates and prepare; at Level 2, they should gather essential belongings and be ready to leave immediately. Level 3 means a mandatory evacuation and requires people to leave the danger zone without delay. County officials publish the specific zone boundaries and further instructions.
After the 2020 tragedy, Malden installed an alert system that informs residents of the level of danger. VanDyke said it worked very effectively.
Firefighters warn that Eastern Washington’s dry climate and terrain create conditions for renewed fires. Heat dries out grass, brush and deadwood, while wind carries flames and embers over considerable distances. Hidden hot spots can remain in soil, roots, stumps and smoldering wood, while uneven terrain, ravines and slopes can shield them from detection. That is why extended patrols and repeated dousing of hazardous areas are necessary even after the main fire front has been contained.
Some residents stayed in town despite the Level 3 evacuation order. Adam Mabi helped spray water on homes, hoping the John Wayne Trail would serve as a natural firebreak. The recreational trail follows a former railroad line through rural areas of Eastern Washington. Its cleared, relatively wide corridor, with less vegetation, may slow the fire’s spread and help firefighters contain the flames, although strong winds can carry fire across it.
Stephen Beach, who lost part of his home in 2020, said the new fire brought back painful memories. Although VanDyke’s home and that of her husband, former mayor Dan Harwood, survived, the fire destroyed a significant portion of their property. They noted that Malden is still recovering from the previous disaster and that many former residents never returned. Amid the numerous fires in Washington and other states, VanDyke feels especially deeply for people who now face the same long and difficult recovery process.
Based on: Destroyed by fire in 2020, Malden avoids fiery repeat this summer