||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE |||
At 9:23 am on Monday, July 28, OIFR responded to a wildland fire on the south-east shore of Mountain Lake in Moran State Park. The fire was reported by campers who saw the flames from the opposite shore. The campers kayaked to the location of the fire and began to throw buckets of water on the flames.
OIFR arrived on scene with six wildland fire fighters and Chief Kimple finding a 10’ diameter area that was still smoldering. The area was quickly contained and the fire was extinguished. A bucket brigade from the lake was established to fully douse the area and eliminate any underground fire pockets.
The quick response from the reporting party and campers who came to the scene aided in a successful outcome with minimal fire damage.
The likely cause of the fire was due to an illegal campfire in an illegal, off-trail camp site. Islanders and visitors are reminded that San Juan County is in a Very High Fire Danger warning. All recreational campfires with wood or charcoal are not permitted.
It should be noted that this is the third significant wildland fire in the last two weeks, in addition to multiple calls for smoke investigations.
The ban on recreational campfires is likely to continue throughout the summer as the conditions are continuing to become dryer and more susceptible to accidental fire. OIF urges all islanders to pay special attention to the use of yard and landscape equipment which can easily ignite dry grass and brush.
Please reach out to OIFR for more information. WA State Parks and San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is aware of this incident and are investigating.
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Be careful folks! Last week I was using a simple steel hand tool in my yard, and struck a small rock, which threw a small spark. Which caused some smoldering where the spark landed. I figured it was a good excuse to do some other sorts of chores around the house for the next few months.
Camping on the east side of Mountain Lake??? What idiots! Much of that is off limits even to hikers.
Thank you for your quick actions hikers!! It is a dangerous time of year.