Wildfire threatens homes in Mason County
Oct 4, 2012, 3:42 PM | Updated: Oct 5, 2012, 6:43 am
A fire burning in Mason County has expanded to 150 acres. (Image Department of Natural Resources)
(Image Department of Natural Resources)
A fire spokeswoman says a new Western Washington wildfire burning northeast of Shelton is threatening 100 structures, including at least a dozen homes, and has grown to 150 acres.
More than 100 firefighters from three counties worked through the night protecting homes and battling the flames.
Mason County Chief Deputy Dean Byrd says all fire districts in his county are responding, as well as firefighters from nearby Thurston County.
Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Sarah Foster says additional fire crews from across the state will offer more support Friday.
The fire that started Thursday afternoon in gusty winds was at last report 30 percent contained. No injuries have been reported.
Foster says a fire like this is very uncommon in Western Washington this time of year.
“All the vegetation is exceptionally dry especially for this time of year,” says Foster. “To have a fire start in Western Washington in the beginning of October is almost unheard of.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Western Washington. The warning indicates critical fire weather conditions are occurring meaning the potential for explosive fire growth.
The warning remains in effect through Saturday at 4 p.m. for areas on the west slopes of the Cascades and foothills, including areas west of Snoqualmie, Stampede, Stevens, and White Passes, also areas around North Bend and Enumclaw.
Calmer weather is in the forecast Friday for the Shelton area with a high near 70 but still dry.
Foster says a state team is taking over management of the fire with at least 200 firefighters and support resources.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
