Homes, shop lost in fire

Jana Mathia, Whitman County Gazette | Sep 10, 20200

COLFAX—Fire crews responded Monday at 10:40 a.m. to fire on the west hill. Exact cause is undetermined, yet it is reported to have started as a brush fire. The fire started between Cromwell and West streets and spread southwest across the hillside as far as Crestview.

Three structures were lost; two houses and a shop/garage. The homes are located on Cromwell Street and Crestview Drive, belonging to the Garcia family and Pugh family, respectively. The garage belonged to another family. Much of the hillside was burned as well.

Another fire call went out at 10:51 a.m. for what is now known as the Manning Fire. The fire was reported in the area of Green Hollow Road near the Manning Bridge just west of Colfax.

Winds of 45 mph and dry fuel were key factors in the flame’s alarming rate of speed in both fires.

Whitman County Emergency Manager Bill Tensfeld helped to initiate incident command and requested State Mobilization to assist with managing the fires.

The Manning Fire spread across the Palouse River and canyon west of town to the Morley Road area. It progressed far enough to jump Endicott Road, but was put out immediately and held at Endicott Road, according to Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers.

A few structures were destroyed in the Manning Fire, including the Manning Bridge which was believed to be one of the last covered rail bridges in the state, although the rail line has long been inactive.

Cause of the Manning Fire is unknown.

According to the Southeast Washington Incident Management Team, about five acres were burned in the Colfax fire and it has been 100% contained. The Manning Fire burned approximately 2,000 acres and is 0% contained, yet reportedly fully corralled.

Fire crews were still actively working on the Colfax fire scene until sunset Monday. Mop up efforts and heavy monitoring are continued Tuesday due to the concern over continued winds.

Units are believed to have come from every district in county to fight the fires. Once state mobilization was called in, outside help arrived as well, including from Spokane and Tri-Cities. What units exactly responded to which fire is difficult to say due to the overlap of response and need for resources.

The Colfax Eagles hosted a free meal Monday night for firefighters, volunteers and anyone else who needed it. The club were able to donate 10 cases of water, 200 bowls of soup, 100 brats, 48 cookies and 50 bags of chips to firefighters, volunteers and displaced families. The Eagles is collecting donations for the fire victims this week, every day from 5 p.m. to closing. Household donations needed include linens, food, baby formula, diapers, clothes for men, women and children and personal hygiene products.