Command of Lambdin Fire to return to local officials as containment hits 90 percent

TOUCHET — Local authorities are reassuming control of the Lambdin Fire in Walla Walla County as containment has reached 90 percent, allowing fire officials to lift all remaining evacuation orders and road closures.

The Southeast Washington Inter-Agency Incident Management Team announced it will officially transition command of the 12,776-acre wildfire back to local jurisdictions by 4:00 p.m. today (Thursday). The handover comes just three days after the destructive blaze erupted on Monday in the Walla Walla River area between Touchet and Wallula.

Fueled by dense grass and brush, the fire rapidly spread across steep, challenging terrain and was intensely driven by periods of strong winds. At its peak, major power transmission lines routing through the fire zone were temporarily de-energized to ensure firefighter safety. Utility providers remain on-site working to fully restore electrical services.

Despite the fire’s aggressive growth, officials reported no losses of primary residences. Remaining resources, including five engines and one water tender, will continue patrolling the perimeter, securing lines, and extinguishing hot spots, including a smoldering haystack.

With suppression objectives largely secured, demobilization is underway. Incident Commander Ryan Nicholls noted that excess personnel are being released to support other regional blazes or return home ahead of the upcoming holiday.

Officials urge residents not to call 911 for lingering smoke unless active flames are visible.

Wildlife surveys the fire-damaged landscape. (Courtesy SE WA Inter-Agency Incident Management Team)

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Elkhorn Media Group