Residents displaced by the Hatch Grade Fire in Walla Walla County, Washington, are returning home after emergency managers reduced all evacuation orders from Level 2 and Level 3 status to Level 1 — Be Ready — as of 4 p.m. on October 1. The downgrade marks a significant milestone for a fire that had forced hundreds of households to flee in late September.

From Rapid Spread to Containment Progress

The Hatch Grade Fire ignited and spread aggressively near Touchet, crossing county lines into both Walla Walla and Umatilla counties. At its most critical point, Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders were expanded to include the vicinity of Byrnes Road south to Watson Loop, with authorities calling it an immediate threat to life and property.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized a full state mobilization at the request of Walla Walla County Fire District 6, activating the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray at Level 1 — its highest activation level — to coordinate resources from across the state. Three wildland strike teams were ordered to support containment efforts along with State Fire Marshal's Office personnel.

Current Status: 9,023 Acres, 70% Contained

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Hatch Grade Fire has burned 9,023 acres and is now 70% contained. Firefighters from multiple agencies are working to complete the containment perimeter before any change in weather conditions. Crews are continuing patrol and mop-up operations along contained segments of the line.

While residents may now return to their homes, Walla Walla County Emergency Management cautions the public to remain alert for:

  • Emergency response personnel and equipment still active on local roads
  • Debris and ash on roadways that may create slip hazards
  • Potential air quality impacts near the fire perimeter
  • Possible re-activation of fire in unburned fuels adjacent to the perimeter

Level 1 Means Stay Alert

A Level 1 evacuation designation — Be Ready — means residents should be prepared to leave quickly if conditions change. It does not signal that the fire is fully extinguished or that all danger has passed. Emergency managers urge residents to have go-bags prepared, keep vehicles fueled, and stay connected to Walla Walla County Emergency Management alerts via their notification system.

As containment improves further, additional downgrade announcements are expected. The full lifting of restrictions will follow a thorough assessment by incident commanders and county officials.