Orcas Fire and Rescue cleans up after fire in Sea Acres on March 18. Photo courtesy Orcas Fire and Rescue
from Kevin O’Brien, Orcas Fire & Rescue Chief
On Saturday, March 16, at 8:38 a.m., just as OIFR members were beginning to conduct recruit academy training for our 22 new members, we were dispatched to a fire in a guesthouse located approximately five feet from the main home located in the Sea Acres neighborhood.
Arriving personnel discovered the guesthouse to be fully involved in fire. All occupants had evacuated the structure, as well as the main residence. There were no injuries to civilians or responders.
Thirty-three OIFR emergency responders and 12 units made an effective attack on the fire resulting in the protection of the main house. Personnel worked over eight hours to fully extinguish the fire that was a challenge due to the heat build-up and construction details of the structure. Fortunately, our 22 new volunteer recruits were available to assist with the labor-intensive operation and our wonderful Auxiliary members provided much needed nourishment for our responders.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental and is currently under investigation. OIFR is grateful for our volunteers, Auxiliary members, CISM team, and staff for their commitment to service, thank you!
Smoke detectors save lives. Through a generous donation by Commissioner Barbara Bedell, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue has smoke detectors free for all citizens. Just stop by the Eastsound Fire Hall or give us a call and we will be happy to install.
