Breaking: Fire and crashes shut down Highway 12 to Walla Walla. Evacuations ordered
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- U.S. Highway 12 is closed both directions from Wallula Junction to Touchet due to fire.
- Watch Duty reported 822 acres burned after the fire was reported at 10:48.
- A level three evacuation orders residents near Pierce’s Green Valley RV Park and Cameo.
A fast-moving fire Monday has shut down the main highway between Tri-Cities and Walla Walla.
The fire and a multi-vehicle crash have caused both directions of Highway 12 to close from Wallula Junction to Touchet. Watch Duty said over 1,000 acres already have burned since the blaze was reported around 10:45 a.m.
Initial reports from people in the area say the collision may have involved five vehicles and a semi-truck.
There is a Level 3 evacuation in place, alerting residents near Pierce’s Green Valley RV Park and Cameo Heights to evacuate the area immediately.
The fire is south of the Walla Walla River and is spreading north, according to Watch Duty, a nonprofit online service that issues alerts on wildfires and flooding.
Walla Walla District 5 fire crews are getting help from other area fire agencies, and assistance from a wildland strike team has been requested, according to initial reports.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.