A blown transformer sparked a fire in Thurston County that caused about 70 people to be evacuated and numerous crews of firefighters to work all through Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
West Thurston Fire Public Information Officer Lanette Dyer told The JOLT News Wednesday morning that the fire was largely extinguished, but that crews would remain on-scene for some time to mop up hot spots.
There were no reported injuries.
West Thurston Regional Fire announced 290 acres burned through the night in the area of Mima Road Southwest. Initial reports claimed two homes were destroyed, although Dyer later clarified it may have been one home that was initially reported twice. Assessments of damage were still ongoing as of Wednesday morning, she added.
The first 911 call came in just before 2 p.m. Fifty acres were promptly burned, with the fire spreading quickly due to high winds.
According to Thurston County Emergency Management, an evacuation order was issued at 3:25 p.m. for residents along Mima Road Southwest from Bordeaux Road South to Mima Gate Road. Residents were told to meet at Littlerock Elementary School. Bryan Dominique, Thurston County public information officer said around 70 people were evacuated from the area.
Red Cross representatives worked with first responders to provide housing for anyone who needed it, although Dyer said the majority of people displaced for the night were able to make temporary housing arrangements with friends and family.
Numerous fire departments responded with aid, including departments from Bainbridge Island. A small airplane from Moses Lake Fire Department dropped water on the fire from above. Additional air support was offered from Department of Natural Resources helicopters and a military Blackhawk helicopter.
The fire was under control by about 3 a.m., said Dyer. Residents are allowed back into the area, but must provide proof they live in the area by showing identification. Only one lane is open for travel in the area, and fire crews are still very prevalent. Dyer said the spot is still dangerous due to heavy traffic from first responders and smoky conditions, so travel has been restricted to one lane.
“The big stuff is out, and the immediate danger of yesterday is reduced down to now just being cautious,” said Dyer.
Fire officials have noted that conditions seemed to be primed for a dangerous fire season, but until the fire sparked Tuesday, Thurston County was free of any serious wildfire event. The same couldn’t be said of other locations across the state and West Coast, as California saw a record 2.3 million acres burned, according to the Associated Press.
The Department of Natural Resources recorded 11 wildfires burning in Washington State as of Wednesday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Seattle advised air quality in the region was ranging largely from “moderate to unhealthy” due to smoke from wildfires. Thurston County’s air quality was marked as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Washington Air Quality Advisory notes that under such conditions, “all sensitive groups should limit spending any time outdoors. People with health conditions may have worsened symptoms. Healthy people may start to have symptoms.”
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