Deer Harbor wildland fire | Follow-up

||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE |||

On June 4th OIFR responded to a wildland fire on the west side of Orcas Island. The fire was initially spotted by kayakers and was approximately 100 sf in size. The cause of the fire was due to a campfire that had not been extinguished by campers. OIFR wildland firefighters were able to contain the area and put out the fire within five hours.

As we enter wildland fire season, OIFR wishes to remind the community and our island visitors about safety and precautions.

• Beginning on June 16, all burn permits will be closed for the season.
• Recreational fires (3’ x 3’) will be allowed but may be halted at any time during the summer.
• Prior to starting any recreational or campfires, please check the San Juan County Fire Marshal site for more information and regular updates: www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1088/Fire-Marshal
• Monitor weather and red flag warnings prior to building campfires, recreational fires and brush burning.
• Fires must never be left unattended, and a sufficient amount of water to douse the fire must be readily available.
• Prior to leaving a fire, please ensure that the area has been doused with water and that the area within and around the fire is no longer warm to the touch.
• Consider participating in the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program to learn more about home and land safety: www.wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov

The kayakers who spotted the wildland fire on June 4 th were able to relay the location to the emergency dispatch center using a phone app called What3Words. What3Words has become an invaluable resource for emergency services as well as anyone who spends time in the outdoors. OIFR members use What3Words as a precise location tool for fires, search and rescues, and accidents. OIFR encourages all folks who spend time outdoors to consider downloading and using the app.

Please feel free to reach out to OIFR for more information about wildfire readiness and safety. Wishing all a safe summer season!