Firefighters Contain Walla Walla Fire

WALLA WALLA, Wash. (AP) — A wildfire that has burned nearly 10 square miles in southeast Washington is about 50 percent contained.

Fire officials say they are taking advantage of a low-pressure weather system that could bring showers Monday to strengthen fire lines and put out hot pockets at the edges of the fire.

The blaze has destroyed one home and threatened dozens of others. It's burning grass, brush and timber on state-protected private land.

Officials issued a level three evacuation for Blue Creek and Klincker Mountain roads to allow firefighters to work safely.

Their priority has been to keep the fire out of the Mill Creek Watershed, and so far they've been successful.

The fire started on July 20. It was human-caused and is under investigation.