100 firefighters battle 1,800-acre fire off Highway 12 to Walla Walla
A wildfire that’s threatened homes and burned about 1,800 acres is continuing to rage between Wallula Gap and Touchet.
Close to 100 firefighters were at the scene Tuesday after the fire flared up near Highway 12 about 10:45 a.m. They were working in the rough terrain around the Walla Walla River, said Ben Shearer, the public information officer for the firefighting efforts.
It is burning mostly in the grass and brush on the hillsides and in thicker vegetation around the river, he said. Winds have been pushing the fire along the river valley. While firefighters have been able to stop it at the top of the hills they haven’t been able to get into the marshy areas.
“There are a lot of areas that are still smoldering,” said Shearer. “They’re trying to get in around the perimeter and make sure it doesn’t get any bigger.”
Smoke from the blaze forced the closure of Highway 12 for about 12 hours Monday. The thick smoke was blamed for at least five crashes along the roadway.
Several other roads remained closed on Tuesday, including Nine Mile Road, Byrnes Road, Ash Hollow, Touchet North Road and Dodd Road.
The fire also knocked down several power lines. Workers are expected to move into the area to do repairs as soon as it’s safe.
The fire continues to threaten several homes including Pierce Green Valley RV Park and Cameo Heights. The firefighters have been working to keep the flames away from those areas but evacuation orders remain in place in some areas.
The American Red Cross set up emergency shelters at Touchet High School and Prescott City Hall. Shearer said the shelter in Touchet had been used.
No one has been hurt in the fire and no homes were destroyed.
“The forecast calls for continued warm, dry and windy conditions through the upcoming Fourth of July holiday,” Shearer said in an update.
“Please follow the firework restrictions in the area where you will use them. Even if they are allowed in your area, please use them responsibly. Know where the embers will go. With the current conditions, every little fire becomes a big fire very fast.”
This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 5:42 PM.