Interface Fire Disrupts Morning Commute – Everett Post

[Monroe, WA] – This morning at 5:48 AM, SRFR was dispatched near Old Owen Rd and Main St to reports of an orange glow with embers in a wooded area. Engine 31 arrived and could see the fire growing a quarter mile East on the South side of the railroad tracks. As crews made their way to the fire on foot, they estimated the fire to be around 30 feet by 30 feet in grass, brush, and trees adjacent to an encampment. The fire was upgraded to a Fire Wildland Interface (FWI) so Battalion 31 could get more resources to the scene. The fire was consuming an outdoor cooking space and spreading out.

The fire started moving into the canopy of trees and DNR crews that were working the Bolt Creek Fire were monitoring the calls and dispatched two DNR Type 3 engines to assist. B31 requested BNSF shut down rail service until the fire was extinguished. E32 was assigned North Division on SR2 and for the safety of fire crews working, WSP and Monroe PD shut down SR2 for just over an hour. SCFD4 assisted and E41 took the South Division.

Crews had to pull hoses from SR2 over the railroad tracks to where the fire was located. The fire was knocked down quickly and a cold/wet trail was put around the entire fire as well as soaking the canopy for any hot spots. By the time DNR crews arrived, the fire was under control and SRFR did not need their assistance. Crews finished around 7:30 AM.

Although it is late September, the fire danger is very high. FOLLOW burn ban regulations. Urban interface fires present real dangers to communities. That is why it is so important to have a defensible space around your house and that you always have an exit plan.

Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. Keep vegetation green with no combustibles against structures.