Crime & Safety
UPDATE: DNR Working on Several Hotspots on Fox Island
Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One responded to a brush fire that was reported on Fox Island Tuesday morning.
UPDATED, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012 at 1:11 p.m.
The Department of Natural Resources crew, made up of inmates, is back out at the scene on Fox Island today, according to Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One. They are working to take care of any hotspots. There were a couple of small flareups reported overnight. The fire department had 3 firefighters on nightwatch, and they took care of those.
Original Post, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012 at 1:38 p.m.
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Information provided by Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One.
Gig Harbor firefighters are currently battling a brush fire that is approximately 5 acres in size.
Find out what's happening in Gig Harborwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At 6:52 a.m. on Tuesday, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One responded to a reported brush fire on Fox Island. Upon arrival a 200-by-200 area was burning down the hillside.
Due to the steep terrain the ability to get access was compromised and securing a perimeter was difficult. The fire continued to spread down the hill to the southwest of Island Boulevard and to the southeast away from Issaquah Drive.
A total of 12 units responded to the fire, including engines, tenders, brush rigs and medic units with 25 personnel to begin the attack. A strike team was called in and units from Central Pierce and East Pierce responded to assist. Heavy machinery has been requested to assist with the effort. The fire department has requested additional help from prisoners and inmates at the nearby corrections facility for the remainder of the day to help contain and suppress the fire.
At this time no structures have been damaged by the blaze.
The cause of the fire is a burn barrel that was used the previous evening and the homeowner thought it may have not been completely extinguished. The homeowner awoke this morning to the fire and reported it to 911.
Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One reminds everyone to use extreme caution if you do any outdoor burning. Only small outdoor fires in established fire pits are allowed during this Stage 1 burn ban. We also want residents on Fox Island to be aware there is poison oak that is burning and breathing the smoke from this fire can allow the allergens to be inhaled, causing lung irritation.
Patch will provide more information as it becomes available.
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