In the wake of the burgeoning Western Pines Fire in Lincoln County, the State of Washington has activated its Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, coming to the aid of local firefighters grappling with the rapidly spreading blaze. The fire, which ignited on July 9th, has engulfed approximately 2,500 acres near Davenport and poses a dire threat to homes in the area, prompting levels 2 and 3 evacuation orders, according to official sources.
Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol heeded the call for help from Fire Commissioner Matt Schneider on July 9th, signaling the commencement of state fire assistance; the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray subsequently raised its activation level to coordinate the state's firefighting reinforcements. The fire, which is still growing in size and churning through grass, timber, and brush, started in the afternoon and it has continued into the night. The cause remains under investigation.
As local crews work relentlessly to temper the fire's advance, mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau are marshaling four strike teams to the scene. The bureau, responsible for coordinating and overseeing the dispatch and administration of state resources, is diligently tending to this task both on the ground and remotely.
