SR 23 near Rock lake closed due to 1000 acre wildfire, level 3 evacuations in place | Wildfires

SAINT JOHN’S, Wash. – Evacuations have been lifted due to the Wagner Road Fire, according to the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. 

Residents in the area of Ewan and Rock Lake should be ready to leave if needed. 

First responders say progress has been made on this fire as wind speeds have slowed, but the fire remains 0% contained.

Last Updated: July 12 at 9:35 p.m.

Level 3 evacuations are in place residents living in the area of Ewan and Rock Lake, about 22 miles northwest of Saint John’s, due to a wildfire.

The fire, dubbed the “Wagner Road Fire” by first responders, has burned 1000 acres and is growing, according to the Washington State Fire Marshal. It remains 0% contained.

The cause of this fire is under investigation. 

Last Updated: July 12 at 8:20 p.m.

SR 23 near Rock Lake Road is fully blocked and multiple evacuations are in place due to a wildfire burning about 1000 to 2000 acres. 

Those in the area of Ewan and Rock Lake are under a level 2 evacuation (Be Set!) due to the danger of the fire. Please limit travel through the area if possible and allow fire crews and emergency responders to address the situation. 

SR 23 is closed between Ewan and Glorfield Road with the Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol monitoring traffic.

DNR confirmed state mobilization was approved with most Whitman County fire units on scene. Spokane County Fire District 3 is also assisting in containing the blaze.

The fire is 0% contained. NonStop Local has a crew on the way to gather more information.

Last Updated: July 12 at 6:45 p.m.

Northbound SR 23 near Rock Lake is currently blocked due to a wildfire. 

Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol crews are on scene and evaluating the roadways long with the blaze.

According to the Washington State Fire Marshal, the fire began at about 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.