Deputies look for two campers who may have started Snake River fire

Sheriff deputies are looking for two campers who may have started a 11,000 acre wildfire south of Pullman near the Snake River.

Whitman County is working with Garfield to determine the cause of the fire. Several witnesses say they two men were seen rowing across the river in a small raft with camping gear Monday night. They were believed to have camped in the area where the fire started.

Mobilization specialist from the Fire Protection Bureau ordered 10 wildland strike teams to assist. A Southeast strike team made up of firefighters from Benton and Franklin counties, Walla Walla and Pullman are also down helping. The team sent down five engines and one water tender.

Several roads in the area are closed as crews work to put out the flames. Deputies from Whitman County says Wawawai Rd. from the intersection of State Route 194 and Wawawai Rd. from the intersection of Steptoe Canyon will remained closed.

Some homeowners were immediately evacuated Tuesday night, but may have since been allowed to return to their homes.