07/24/2008: "SJI Firefighters Deployed To Wildland Fire"

Friday Harbor: Late last evening, Tuesday July 22nd, the San Juan Island Fire Department dispatched two firefighters and a wildland fire engine to assist firefighters attempting to contain a 1,500-plus acre wildland fire near Trinidad near the Grant-Douglass County line in eastern Washington.

At one point, more than 200 people had been evacuated from the path of the fire, which has been fed by dry grass and strong winds.

Lieutenant Jason Wood and Firefighter Kyle Davies responded in “Brush 312”, one of the San Juan Island Fire Department’s specialized wildland firefighting vehicles. They are scheduled to be assigned to the “Stuhlmiller Road” fire.

The deployment is coordinated through the State Fire Marshal and is part of the “Statewide Mobilization Plan.”

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.