A fast-moving grass and brush fire that ignited Saturday night in Walla Walla County, Washington has crossed into Oregon Sunday morning, growing to an estimated 3,624 acres and prompting Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders for the Hatch Grade area near Wallula.

Fire Status

The fire — now officially designated the Highway 730/Twin Sisters Fire — was first reported around 11 p.m. Saturday near US-730 and milepost 5 in Walla Walla County. By Sunday morning, it had crossed Spring Gulch and pushed south into Umatilla County, Oregon. No containment percentage has been established as of this report.

Air tankers are making drops on the fire while wildland firefighting crews work ground-based lines. Two wildland strike teams from the State of Washington were among the first resources mobilized. The Washington State Fire Marshal's Office is coordinating additional resources to the incident.

Evacuation Orders

  • Level 3 — Go Now: Hatch Grade Road and vicinity. Residents must leave immediately — do not wait.
  • Level 1 — Get Ready: US-730 and vicinity from Port Kelley to the Oregon/Washington border. These areas were downgraded from Level 3 earlier Sunday per Walla Walla County Emergency Management.

Road Closures

US-730 is closed from US-12 to the Oregon/Washington state border. Motorists should avoid the area entirely to keep emergency corridors open for firefighting equipment and evacuees.

Structural Threats

Multiple homes and properties are threatened. No confirmed structural losses have been reported. Fire behavior in dry grass and brush can be extremely rapid, particularly with wind — officials urge Level 3 residents not to delay evacuation under any circumstances.

What To Do If You Are in the Area

  • Leave immediately if under a Level 3 order. Do not return until officials clear the area.
  • Level 1 residents: prepare go-bags, gather medications, documents, and make livestock plans now.
  • Monitor Walla Walla County Emergency Management and Umatilla County emergency alert channels for updates.
  • Call 911 only for life-safety emergencies.

NW FireWatch will continue updating this story as conditions develop. This is a rapidly evolving incident — information is subject to change.