🔥 Trending Malden, WA Wildfire Evacuations Underway

Malden, Washington, is currently facing a significant emergency due to the Wells Road Fire, a rapidly spreading wildfire that has prompted mandatory evacuations ¹²³. This incident is particularly impactful as Malden was previously devastated by the Babb Road fire in 2020 ⁹.

Current Situation and Evacuation Orders

As of August 9, 2026, the Wells Road Fire has expanded considerably, impacting both Spokane and Whitman counties ¹.

• Fire Size: The fire's size has varied in reports, with some indicating it has reached approximately 200 acres ¹, while others report it growing to 800-1,000 acres ⁴, and even 1,914 acres near John Tye Road ³.
• Evacuation Levels:
• Malden: The town of Malden is under a Level 3 ("Go Now!") evacuation order, meaning residents must leave immediately ²³⁹¹⁰.
• Rosalia: The nearby town of Rosalia is under a Level 2 ("Get Set!") evacuation order, advising residents to prepare for potential evacuation ²⁴.
• Location: The fire is burning near the Whitman-Spokane county line, between Spokane and Pullman ⁴¹⁰.
• Response: Fire units from Rosalia, Malden, St. John, Oakesdale, and Steptoe are actively working to contain the fire, with local residents also assisting with spot fires ⁵.

Impact and Historical Context

The current wildfire is a severe blow to Malden, a community still recovering from the 2020 Babb Road fire that largely destroyed the town ⁹. The repeated threat of wildfires highlights the vulnerability of the region to such natural disasters.

Residents are advised to stay updated on evacuation details and map changes through local news and emergency services ¹.