||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN for SJC DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |||
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue has been responding the afternoon/evening of Tuesday July 8th to an active wildland fire in the vicinity of Melba Lane and Bobbyann Road on the West side of Orcas Island, just north of West Sound. Extensive support provided by Washington State Department of Natural Resources, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, and Lopez Fire and EMS
As of 6:30pm on July 8th, the fire is fully contained at approximately 7 acres, though there is still active burning within the perimeter and fire operations are ongoing.
The residents of Melba Lane and Bobbyann Road who were asked to evacuate during fire operations may return home, but are asked to steer well clear of active fire operations. No other individuals should approach the area at this time.
PLEASE DO NOT FLY ANY DRONES ANYWHERE NEAR THE FIRE. Helicopters have been actively fighting the fire and their operations are immediately halted if a drone is confirmed on scene.
There is no official cause of the fire at this time, but all island residents and visitors are reminded that fires are always a possibility in the summer and extreme care and vigilance is required to avoid ignitions. For more info on wildland fire safety, visit https://www.islandsready.org/wildfires or contact your local fire department.
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Great work by all!
7-9-2025 at 00:15AM
All OIFR personnel are off the fire line. Fire is contained. Management of the fire is turned over to WA DNR who has 4 engines and 1 small hand crew and will continue to suppress fire within the containment area.
Fire was contained to an estimated 7 acres.
1 small outdoor structure was lost and four homes/buildings were under immediate evacuation notice. All residents are now home safely.
Due to fire involvement with power lines and risk to firefighters, power was shut off which affected all of orcas west.
Island Excavating mobilized a dozer early into the fire scene which allowed us to keep the fire at 7 acres.
Cause of the fire will be determined tomorrow.
I want to thank OPALCO, Island Excavating, San Juan County Dispatch, Sheriff’s Office, Lopez Island Fire & EMS, San Juan Island Fire, WA DNR, and the Orcas community for support during this operation.
No injuries to public or first responders.
This is a true neighbors helping neighbors event.
Note: during this event, OIFR was able to field two medical 911 calls with one aeromedical transport. Both medical calls were unrelated to the fire.
An updated press release will be forthcoming.
Photo credit: OIFR Lt. Tony Simpson
– Chad Kimple, Incident Commander
Fire Chief
Thank you so very much to our terrific fire deparrtment and its excellent coordination with Lopez, San Juan, and state resources. We watched two helicopters draw water from local ponds and drop it on the fire. What wonderful, effective teamwork. And all our homes are safe! Thank you, Orcas fire department! Den and Lynn Baker, West Sound
A young friend of mine just turned me on to a new App:
Watch Duty
It locates wildfires in the county of your choice.
One of the main pluses about the 3.5 acre lake we built is to have the water available for the fire department.., if ever needed. It’s questionable as to whether there will be permits available for other lakes in the future, especially given hotter and dryer conditions.
One of the main pluses about the 3.5 acre lake we built 20 years ago is to have the water available for the fire department.., if ever needed. It’s questionable as to whether there will be permits available for other lakes in the future, especially given hotter and dryer conditions.
How is sea acre doing it is ok please let me know is safe
I want house be safe it was big job build beauty ful house please is it safe
How is sea acre doing it is ok please let me know is safe please is everything OK
I think the rest of Orcas is doing fine Danya… thanks for your concern.