Serving Franklin County, WA
Serving Franklin County, WA
TOUCHET — The state is providing support to local fire crews fighting the Hat Rock Fire.
Walla Walla County Fire District No. 6 Chief Rusty Watt requested state help at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday night, June 13.
The fire started northeast of Hermiston and had burned more than 8,500 acres by 8 p.m. Tuesday night when it raced through dry grass and brush into Walla Walla Couty east of Wallula Junction.
Fire officials set the evacuation level at 1, meaning there is a fire in the area.
Under Washington state law, evacuations are voluntary, but officials provide Level 1, 2 and 3 notices to help residents decide if they will evacuate.
The fire cause is under investigation, officials said, noting the state Fire Protection Bureua has ordered two wildland strike teams and aviation units to support fire suppression.
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