||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE |||
The wildland fire which started midday on July 8 th in West Sound remains active and will be so for the next 48-72 hours. The fire is contained at just over 5 acres with multiple hot spots still smoking within the containment area.
Six homes were under immediate fire threat, and all were saved. One non-residential structure was lost to the fire. One injury has been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by DNR.
All residents who were issued mandatory evacuation orders were able to return to their homes on Tuesday evening.
The Department of Natural Resources assumed command on the evening of July 8 and brought with them four engines and a compliment of hand crews. OIFR wildland fire teams continue to assist DNR and will remain on scene until the fire is fully extinguished.
30 members from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue initiated the fire attack. San Juan and Lopez Islands provided additional personnel for fire operations. OIFR wishes to extend huge appreciation for the mutual assistance from the neighboring islands, WA State DNR, OPALCO, Island Excavating, San Juan County Dispatch, Sheriff’s Office, Lopez Island Fire & EMS, and San Juan Island Fire. Additionally, two helicopters were utilized for water drops into the blazes and played an essential role.
Helicopter operations were temporarily halted due to an illegal drone flying over the area during the fire. Drone pilots are reminded that it is illegal to fly drones over any active fire, rescue or medical incident without authorization from the SJC Sheriff or OIFR.
The wildland fire started in the hills behind the homes in the 1000 block of Deer Harbor Road. Multiple county roads and private roads were used in order to access all sides of the fire.
“This fire was a close call for the homes who were immediately threatened, and the rapid response from our fire fighters, the neighboring islands and DNR resulted in quick containment,” said Fire Chief Chad Kimple.
Residents are encouraged to install visible address placards at the start of property driveways. Driveway road clearance should be 12’ wide by 13’ high. For questions and concerns about property access for OIFR fire engines and ambulances, please reach out to the department for consultation.
All island residents and visitors are reminded that we are just at the start of the summer wildland fire season. The Wildfire Ready Neighbors program is an excellent resource for mitigating fire exposure. https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov
Stay safe and many thanks to all personnel and mutual aid support for the July 8 wildland fire.
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Many thanks to all involved in what sounds to me like an excellent team action.
As a neighbor to the affected homes, I watched with admiration for the ways in which the fire was fought. It made me proud to see federal (Coast Guard helicopter), state (DNR), and local (Orcas Fire) personnel working together so successfully.
But it made me embarrassed to be a human being, when I learned that some self-centered moron was flying a drone in the area, just for his or her own, selfish fun . . . with no thought to the impact it might have on the helicopters which were flying very close to the trees in a difficult situation.
Come on, folks — “drone responsibly”!!
There is a good photo of the operation published in the Islands Sounder. I wonder if the source was a drone overflight.