Brush fire near Touchet scorches 500 acres

WALLA WALLA COUNTY — A fast-moving, four-alarm natural cover fire has scorched approximately 500 acres north of Touchet, triggering preliminary evacuation alerts for nearby residents, officials said Friday afternoon.

The brush fire broke out at 1:46 p.m. near Nelms and Woodward Canyon roads, according to Walla Walla County Emergency Management Director Chris Lee.

As of 3:41 p.m., two state helicopters were on scene and Lee said that a Level 1 evacuation alert has been issued for the surrounding area. Under the Level 1 alert, residents are advised to “Be Ready” for potential evacuation.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. No injuries or structure damages have been immediately reported.

Touchet is located in southeastern Washington, roughly 15 miles west of Walla Walla.

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Elkhorn Media Group