State fire mobilization authorized for Scenic Fire near Walla Walla
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA COUNTY – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Scenic Fire east of Walla Walla.
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. at the request of Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4 Fire Chief John Golden. The Scenic Fire started Tuesday at 2:40 p.m. This fire is estimated at 100 acres and growing. It is burning in grass, trees, and crops and is threatening homes. The fire cause is currently under investigation.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations were in effect for the area east of South Russell Creek Road near McKay Grade Road and Harrier Hill.
The Red Cross evacuee shelter in the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds Community Center, 363 Orchard St., in Walla Walla is going into standby status at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Should an evacuee arrive at the shelter after 9 p.m., they are instructed to call 1-800-723-2767 (1-800-RED-CROSS). That number is staffed 24 hours a day and Red Cross will be able to assist the evacuee.
Walla Walla County Emergency Management requests residents not call 911 unless a serious situation or life-threatening emergency exists. Updated information will be provide at www.facebook.com/wallawallaem and www.wwemd.info as it becomes available.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray in Tacoma is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the Scenic Fire. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one strike team to aid in containment efforts. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both headed route to the scene and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.
MYCB photo by Dan Thesman
