By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Two times in as many days it appears outdoor burning has ignited out-of-control brush fires in Lewis County.
Firefighters from four departments spent several hours yesterday afternoon attacking flames on the side of a steep hill east of Onalaska.
Underbrush and trees caught fire, consuming approximately one acre, according to Lewis County Fire District 1.
Fire Chief Andrew Martin said the fire came within 100 yards of one home, so they assigned an engine to stand by there for structural protection.
District 1 was called about 2:45 p.m. to the area of the 100 block of August Road, just north of state Route 508, toward Cinebar, according to Martin.
They were assisted by personnel from Districts 8, 3 and 5 and notified the state Department of Natural Resources, Martin said.
The fire is believed to have been started by a yard trimmings pile that was being burned on nearby vacant property, according to Martin.
On Wednesday afternoon, crews responded to the 600 block of Centralia-Alpha Road east of Chehalis for a brush fire that most likely started with a land clearing debris pile that the owner believed was out when they left the property, according to Riverside Fire Authority. That fire was quickly contained.
Chief Martin said various fire departments around the county are planning to hold informational meetings on how property owners can prepare in advance to defend their homes from the threat of wildfires.
Onalaska, Salkum and Mossyrock are organizing a joint gathering for residents in their communities, he said.
“I encourage people to watch for and attend these short meetings,” Martin said. “It may make the difference between their house standing at the end of fire season or it not being there.”
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
We are in for one Helluva fire season. Keep that brush trimmed down folks. Get out there and get a good sun tan while doing yard work…