||| FROM KIM KIMPLE for ORCAS FIRE & RESCUE |||
On Thursday, September 2 just before noon, Orcas Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 700-block of Pinneo Road due to multiple reports from individuals passing through the area. Smoke was visible from Orcas Rd + Swan Rd. Orcas fire personnel returning from a medical call and responded to station 22 for fire apparatus.
Due to the varied terrain it took personnel time to locate the fire. Kenmore Air assisted in pinpointing the location shortly after taking off from Eastsound Airport. A DNR helicopter was put on standby but was not dispatched once crews were able to arrive on scene and assess fire conditions.
Upon arriving, crews found a smoldering, unattended brush fire, approximately 40’x10’ , located near an active burn pile. The fire was extinguished using Wasp Engine 21, Brush Engine 21 and several firefighters. Additional apparatus remained staged nearby for further attack, as needed.
The landowner was educated and cited.
I wonder if “educated and cited'” is enough for someone to leave a burn pile unattended-in a zero-burn time, while we are all living in a tinder box? I would hope for a bit more sanction-community service hours perhaps? Apology letters to all the Pinneo/Woolard/Swan/Dolphin residents for putting their lives and homes at risk? Thistle and tansy eradication dutyin their ‘hood for a year? Treating the firefighters to a massage? I could go on but won’t. If there was a class for common sense the people who need it probably wouldn’t come. Thank you firefighters.
We have to be so vigilant as too many residents and visitors do not have a clue about fire hazard
Big thank you to the responders