BY BRANDON HANSEN / KCHW NEWS

A fast-growing wildfire near the town of Evans has prompted a state-level firefighting response, as the Hope Fire scorches more than 2,100 acres of grass, brush, and timber in northern Stevens County.

The fire ignited on Tuesday, July 8, around 1:15 p.m. and is currently threatening homes in the area, with Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices issued. Fire officials say the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

In response, Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized state fire mobilization at 5:30 p.m. on July 8, following a request by Fire Chief Herb Hipler of Joint Fire Protection District Ferry County 3 and Stevens County 8. This action allows for additional firefighting resources and personnel to be deployed from across the state under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated to Level 2, a partial activation, to support local response efforts. Fire mobilization specialists have already dispatched five wildland strike teams to the Hope Fire, and staff from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting both on the ground and remotely.

The mobilization plan is designed to quickly bring in reinforcements and equipment when an incident surpasses local capabilities. Coordination is being handled by the Fire Protection Bureau, which will continue to oversee the deployment and logistics of resources.

As of Tuesday morning, fire crews are battling difficult terrain and hot, dry conditions made worse by high winds and low humidity. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for Stevens County, raising concerns of rapid fire spread.

Residents in the evacuation zones are urged to be prepared to leave immediately if instructed. For more information on the state mobilization process, visit wsp.wa.gov/all-risk-mobilization.