06/30/2008: "Firefighters Assist In Off-Island Wildland Fire"

San Juan Island Fire Department dispatched two firefighters and a wildland fire engine left San Juan Island to assist firefighters attempting to contain a 3,000-plus acre wildland fire near Warden in Grant County, Washington that was stared by a car crash on Sunday.

As of this morning, the fire threatened 55 homes and was completely uncontained. The deployment is coordinated through the State Fire Marshal and could last up to 14 days, depending upon fire behavior. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste has authorized mobilizing resources at the state level that include the state Emergency Operations Center.

Lieutenant Tad Lean and Firefighter Michael Henderson responded in “Brush 352,” one of the San Juan Island Fire Department’s specialized wildland firefighting vehicles. They are scheduled to be assigned to the “Seep Lakes” fire.

San Juan Island Fire Department personnel are often asked to participate in wildland fires statewide. Local firefighters have earned a good reputation off island for being well trained and equipped.

Each request for off-island assistance is evaluated to ensure local needs are not impacted. However, every effort is made to fill a request, because it is very likely that the day will come when San Juan Island will need help from mainland fire departments. The immediate benefit is that the firefighters gain valuable experience that they may bring back to the island.