Washington Mobilizes Firefighters as Three Wildfires Break Out in One Day
Sunday was a busy day for Washington firefighters, with three separate wildfires causing the state to activate emergency firefighting resources in 12 hours.
Sunday, June 28, the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan was activated for fires burning in Okanogan, Klickitat, and Yakima counties, as wildfire season ramps up across the state.
Washington State Battling Three Fires, with Three Communities at Risk
The first mobilization came for the Hamilton Fire near Winthrop in Okanogan County. The fire started around 9:10 a.m. and quickly grew to an estimated 300 acres after burning through grass and brush. It threatened homes, infrastructure, and public safety, causing Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices.
Only a few hours later, state resources were called to the Lyle Hill 2 Fire near Lyle in Klickitat County. That fire expanded to around 1,500 acres after starting just before 2 p.m. It is also burning through grass, shrubs, and timber while threatening homes, crops, the Bonneville Power Administration power lines, and a nearby substation. Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations were also issued there.
The day's third mobilization came Sunday evening for the Humann Fire near Selah in Yakima County. The fire started around 4:47 p.m. and grew to around 150 acres by the time state assistance was authorized. Unlike the other fires, officials said the blaze was burning in sage, grass, and into homes, causing Level 3 evacuations for people living nearby.
Washington State Resources Have Been Sent to Help
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized state mobilization after local fire officials requested additional help for all three fires.
The Hamilton Fire received four wildland strike teams and an interface task force. The Lyle Hill 2 Fire was assigned four wildland strike teams along with four hand crews, while the Humann Fire received two strike teams.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray also moved to a Level 2 partial activation to coordinate resources and support local firefighting efforts.
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