Firefighters battled their first wildland fire of the year in Asotin County on Thursday afternoon.
According to Asotin County Fire District #1, firefighters were dispatched at about 2:00 p.m. to a possible wildland fire in the Silcott Hills area, about 7 miles west of Clarkston.
When the first command officer arrived it was reported that a large wind driven fire was moving north and south with two different fire flanks.
Fire crews from Asotin County Fire District #1, City of Clarkston and City of Asotin attacked the fire. A helicopter from Hillcrest Aviation also assisted in the steep terrain fight. Chief Noel Hardin said it is uncommon to have a wildland fire this early in the year, but conditions were just right for quick fire growth. He said dry surface fuels, wind and low humidity all aided in rapid fire growth.