Hendricks Fire Burns Near Othello, Washington — BLM Crews Working to Hold Lines

A grass and vegetation fire ignited on May 21, 2026 on Hendricks Road, approximately 14 miles southwest of Othello in Franklin County, Washington, rapidly escalating into a large incident tracked by the National Interagency Fire Center. The Hendricks Fire is being managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Spokane District and as of May 22 had grown to 359 acres with 30% containment.

Fire Behavior and Initial Response

According to dispatch records, fire crews were called to the scene at approximately 9:04 a.m. on May 21 after reports of a rapidly spreading vegetation fire. Upon arrival, crews found a quickly moving grass fire and immediately requested additional resources. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office closed Hendricks Road between Mt. Vista and Sagehill Road and urged residents to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

By midday on May 21, the fire had reached an estimated 275 acres, with no evacuation orders in effect and containment efforts actively underway. Overnight, crews worked to establish containment lines and the fire grew to 359 acres before progress was made.

Why Eastern Washington Burns Early

The Othello area, situated in the Columbia Basin of eastern Washington, is characterized by expansive dryland wheat farms, rangeland, and irrigated agricultural lands. Grass and shrub fuels in this region can become critically dry by late May, particularly in years with below-average spring moisture. Current relative humidity readings east of the Cascades are ranging from the single digits to 30 percent, conditions that fire managers classify as critical.

BLM Spokane District fire crews are supported by local and county resources. No structures or homes were reported as immediately threatened as of the most recent update, though the situation remained fluid.

Memorial Day Warning

The Hendricks Fire ignited on the eve of Memorial Day weekend, underscoring warnings from state and federal fire officials about elevated human-caused ignition risk during the holiday. Discarded cigarettes, vehicle exhaust systems contacting dry grass, and equipment use are all known causes of early-season grass fires in the Columbia Basin.

Residents and travelers in Franklin and Adams counties are encouraged to monitor the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and BLM Spokane District social media pages for updated road closures and fire information. The public is urged to call 911 immediately if they spot a new fire start.