The Cougar Creek Fire, located about 23 miles southwest of Asotin near Highway 129, continues to burn in timber, grass, and brush.
The rugged rangeland, characterized by isolated pockets of timber and a mixed topography of ridgelines, benches, plateaus, and secondary drainages, presents significant challenges for firefighting efforts, say officials.
Officials said on Tuesday that the fire continues to move to the southwest and east. The fire was estimated by officials on Wednesday morning as 23% contained and 12,498 acres in size. Being utilized to battle the blaze are 41 engines, 9 hand crews, 6 dozers and 2 helicopters, according to officials.