— from Acting Deputy Chief Bryce Hamilton —
Yesterday, January 24, 2016, at approximately 17:31 [5:31 p.m.], a structure fire was reported through the San Juan County Emergency Dispatch System. The reporting party described the location as an Airport hangar at Cessna Road and North Beach Road.
OIFR responded and arrived on scene to an airport hangar with black smoke coming from the eaves of the roof on all sides of the building. First arriving fire crews made forcible entry through a side man-door to find a mid-sized SUV fully involved in flames inside the hangar. Additional units arrived to secure a water supply and ventilate the building.
After 1 hour of firefighting the fire was extinguished, then overhaul and salvage of the building commenced.
The vehicle was a total loss but the majority of personal items stored within the building were salvaged due to the quick response and efforts by OIFR. No injury was incurred by civilians or fire personnel. The owner of the hangar was contacted and informed of the incident.
The scene is being investigated by OIFR and the San Juan County Fire Marshall. The fire is currently assumed to be unintentional. Questions concerning this incident may be directed to Acting Deputy Chief Hamilton at 360-376-2331 or bhamilton@orcasfire.org.
Bravo/brava, OIFR! Thank you for courageously doing risky work for us.