Fire at American Camp
Posted July 15, 2018 at 5:48 pm by Tim Dustrude
The parade ground at American Camp after the fire – SJ Update photo
San Juan Island National Historical Park has Wildland Fire
On Sunday, July 15th, 2018, a historic weapons artillery demonstration caused a wildland fire at American Camp within San Juan Island National Historical Park.
National Park Service personnel called 911, and San Juan Fire District #3 responded. The fire spread rapidly in dry grass fuels with hot, dry, somewhat windy conditions. The fire moved into a tree line, torched a few trees, and burnt through brushy areas.
The fire Incident Commander initially ordered a Washington Department of National Resources helicopter for support but canceled once they were able to knock the fire down. The approximately three acre fire was contained within an hour of the initial report.
Just outside the parade ground on the east side of the fence at American Camp after the fire – SJ Update photo
Elexis Fredy, park superintendent, has suspended all live firing demonstrations until a review is completed on the operations, and mitigation measures are in place to avoid future ignitions.
East side of the parade ground fence at American Camp after the fire – SJ Update photo
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Categories: Environment
One comment:
One comment...
I was there just a couple of minutes after the cannon blast. The men on post acted quickly and responsibiliy until the fire department arrived. Sorry about the incident and so glad it wasn’t any worse.
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