US Highway 12 Wallula Junction Fire Update

US Highway 12 between the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla is re-opened after a fire closed both directions on Monday. (You can read the original post on the NewsRadio 610 KONA Website)

The flames started Monday afternoon and burned near the Wallula junction between mileposts 303 and 307. According to Washington's Department of Natural Resources, by 2:38 PM, the fire had burned 100 to 150 acres, threatened transmission lines, and impacted nearby orchards and agricultural lands. Later in the evening, the fire was 30% contained, and forward progress was stopped.

That evening, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced that US 12 Highway had re-opened to traffic and travelers by 8:10 PM on Monday and remains open. The cause of the fire is under investigation.