From Steve Marler, Chief, San Juan Island Fire Rescue
On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 14th, two fire engines left San Juan Island to assist nearly 1,000 firefighters from around the State of Washington to battle a wildland fire near Cle Elum. When they left San Juan Island, the “Taylor Bridge” fire was rapidly growing, threatening multiple homes and power lines, and was completely uncontained. Since their arrival, Lieutenant Tad Lean and Firefighters Michael Henderson, Matthew Dobbs and Joseph Foriska have been working the night shift, helping to keep the fire from jumping containment lines and looking for spot fires. As of Monday morning, the fire has grown to more than 23,000 acres but is now nearly 50% contained.
San Juan Island Fire Rescue participated in the Statewide Fire Mobilization System, coordinated by the State Fire Marshal. The system reimburses participating agencies for their costs. The firefighters that participate gain valuable experience that they can bring back with them and share with all of the island’s firefighters.
BACKGROUND: San Juan Island Fire Rescue serves all of San Juan Island – including the Town of Friday Harbor – as well as Brown and Pearl Islands. Through a contract with the State Department of Natural Resources, the fire department also provides wildland fire suppression for all of San Juan County’s non-ferry served islands.
Predominantly staffed by volunteers, the agency operates eight fire stations, numerous fire engines and other vehicles as well as the region’s only fire boat. In 2011, the fire department responded to 285 calls for service.
