Scenic Fire near Walla Walla destroys 2 homes, burns 120 acres
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, July 31st, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA COUNTY – The Scenic Fire near Walla Walla is 90 percent contained. Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4 Fire Chief John Golden said it started Tuesday afternoon by farming operations. Two houses were lost on South Fork Russell Creek Road and an estimated 120 acres burned.
“Given the northerly winds Tuesday, fire crews did a great job getting a stop to prevent it from moving up the Russell Creek drainage,” Golden explained.
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries, which included a sprained ankle and a blistered hand from touching a hot exhaust. No civilians were injured.
As of 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, all Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation levels around the area of
South Fork Russell Creek Road near McKay Grade Road and Harrier Hill had been lifted.
The barricades at the intersection of South Fork Russell Creek Road and Foster Road have been
removed.
State mobilization was called on Tuesday afternoon and a strike team worked on the fire overnight. Another strike team came in and worked on the hot spots Wednesday.
Golden said responsibility for managing the incident was expected to be returned to the local agencies last night who will monitor the area for several days.
Photo via Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4
