Wallula Gap Fire: Highway 730 Evacuations Eased, Hatch Grade Still Told to ‘Go’

WALLULA — Firefighters continue to battle a 3,600+ acre wildfire near the Wallula Gap area, prompting emergency officials on Sunday to maintain a high-level evacuation order for one neighborhood while easing restrictions for residents along a nearby highway.

Walla Walla County Emergency Management announced that a Level 3 “Go” evacuation order remains in effect for Hatch Grade and its immediate vicinity. The mandate means residents in that area must leave immediately due to active firefighting operations.

Meanwhile, emergency officials downgraded evacuation orders for residents living along Highway 730. The stretch of the highway from Port Kelley to the Oregon border was reduced to a Level 1 “Ready” status, signaling that residents should stay informed and prepared, but are no longer under an immediate threat to leave.

Multiple agencies heading up Hatch Grade Road to contain the blaze

Authorities closed portions of Highway 730 as crews worked to contain the blaze. The Washington State Department of Transportation reopened both directions of the highway at 3:23 p.m. Sunday.

Dash 8-400AT airtanker from Moses Lake responds to the Wallula Gap area fire

For more on what started the fire, visit https://elkhornmediagroup.com/rollover-crash-sparks-brush-fire-blocks-state-route-730-in-walla-walla-county/

All photos by Dan Thesman (Top photo of fire burning off Hatch Grade Road in Wallula Gap area)

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Elkhorn Media Group