Wildfire Near Malden, Washington: What Happened and What You Need to Know

TL;DR: A wildfire burned about 1,000 acres north of Malden, WA. One home was lost, but firefighters stopped the fire from spreading further. Evacuation levels have been lowered for nearby towns, and an evacuation center is open at Oakesdale High School.

What Happened?

On Saturday evening, a wildfire started north of Malden, Washington. It grew to about 1,000 acres (that’s roughly 750 football fields!) and forced people to leave their homes.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Location: North of Malden, Whitman County, WA
• Size: ~1,000 acres
• Homes lost: 1 (near Malden)
• Homes saved near Colfax: 0 lost (as of 11:15 PM Saturday)
• Fire status: Forward progress stopped
• Help arriving: State Fire Marshal’s Office sending resources Sunday
• Evacuation center: Oakesdale High School

Evacuation Updates (As of Sunday 8:30 AM)

IMPORTANT: Evacuation levels have changed!
Always follow official instructions from the Whitman County Sheriff.

Evacuation Levels Explained (ELI5)

1. Level 1 – BE READY
   Heads up! A fire is nearby. Pack a "go bag" (meds, important papers, pet supplies). Stay informed.

2. Level 2 – BE SET
   Get ready to go! Fire is closer. Load your car. Keep phone charged. Leave now if you feel unsafe.

3. Level 3 – GO NOW!
   Leave immediately! Danger is here. Don’t wait. Grab people and pets only. Drive safely.

How Firefighters Are Fighting the Fire

1. Aircraft dropped water and retardant (red slurry that slows flames) from the sky.
2. Ground crews dug fire lines (dirt paths with no fuel) to box in the fire.
3. State mobilization activated Saturday night – this means extra help from across Washington is coming.
4. State Fire Marshal’s Office arriving Sunday to coordinate more engines, crews, and equipment.

Good news: Firefighters say the fire is no longer moving forward.

Need a Safe Place? Go Here

Evacuation Center:
Oakesdale High School
Open to anyone displaced by the fire.
Bring: medications, IDs, pet supplies, phone chargers.

What’s Next?

Numbered Steps for Residents

1. Check your town’s current level (Malden = Level 2, Rosalia = Level 1).
2. Stay tuned to Whitman County Sheriff updates (Facebook, website, local radio).
3. Keep your "go bag" packed until Level 1 is lifted.
4. Do NOT return home until officials say it’s safe – even if the fire looks out.
5. Register with the Red Cross if you need help finding shelter or replacing lost items.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What caused the fire?

Still under investigation. Could be lightning, human activity, or equipment spark. Officials will announce the cause when they know.

2. Is the fire 100% contained?

Not yet. "Forward progress stopped" means it’s not growing outward, but hotspots inside may still smolder. Full containment takes days.

3. Can I go home if I evacuated?

Only if your area is Level 1 or lower AND officials say it’s safe. Level 2 means stay ready to leave again.

4. How can I help?

• Donate money (not goods) to Red Cross or local fire districts.
• Stay off roads near the fire so engines can move fast.
• Share official updates only – rumors spread faster than fire.

5. Where do I get real-time info?

• Whitman County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook / website)
• InciWeb (national incident info)
• Local radio: KXLY, KPQ, etc.
• Emergency alerts: Sign up for CodeRED or Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone.

Summary

• A 1,000-acre wildfire burned north of Malden, WA Saturday night.
• 1 home lost near Malden; none lost near Colfax.
• Firefighters stopped the fire’s spread with help from aircraft.
• State resources arriving Sunday to fully contain it.
• Evacuation levels lowered: Malden → Level 2, Rosalia → Level 1.
• Shelter open at Oakesdale High School.
• Cause unknown – investigation ongoing.
• Stay alert, stay packed, stay informed.

Stay safe, Washington. Listen to your local officials. Fires move fast – but good info moves faster.

Copyright 2026 by KXLY. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.