The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA COUNTY—A fire broke out in a standing wheat field just north of Walla Walla on Friday, July 29. The fire was contained around 8 p.m. that night. The flames consumed more than 1,000 acres in a matter of hours, drawing responses from nearly all Walla Walla County fire districts, with aid coming from Walla Walla and College Place rural units.

This fire has been dubbed the “Van Ausdle Fire” due to its starting point near Van Ausdle Lane.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and fire district officials said no injuries were reported. The potential for harm to firefigh...