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06/28/2008: "Fire Season Is Upon Us"

(Capt. Rick Anda mopped up the last hot spots using water rather than destroying the natural vegetation with traditional hand tool work)

Orcas Island Fire Department responded to a reported wildland fire threatening a home on Thursday, June 24th. Brush Engine 21, Engine 21 and Tender 26 responded to Sedum Hill Road around noon.

Lt. Jeff Jones arrived first on scene to report a growing grass fire being battled by residents on scene. Firefighters arrived and quickly got the fire under control. It was determined a burn pile of scotch broom got out of control, charring approximately 140 by 80 foot area near 2 residences.

"With the 4thof July celebrations and exceptionally thick grasses due to the long wet spring ­ we could be looking at serious fire danger," said Wildland Fire Division Captain Maxx Jones. A reminder that outdoor burning is closed July 1st.