An image from early on yesterday from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
Updated at 12:01 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Authorities last night said fire lines were holding and some residents were allowed to return home after flames swept through more than 400 acres in Rochester.
Four residences, two barns and also a business at Southwest 183rd Avenue and Loganberry Street burned, according to Thurston County Emergency Management. No injuries have been reported.
West Regional Fire Authority was initially dispatched at 1:33 p.m. yesterday for a brush fire at Wakley Lane and Southwest 183rd Avenue, near the southwest corner of the Scatter Creek Wildlife Recreation Area, according to the fire department. Numerous fire agencies joined them with ground crews and air drops as the fire moved to the east side of Interstate 5.
Crews planned to remain on scene through the night working on small spot fires for the safety of the community, according to WTRFA.
West Thurston Fire stated last night that those confirmed as property owners within the evacuation area could return home, but the general public would not be allowed in.
More than 1,000 people were without power. Thurston County Emergency Management said 100 homes were evacuated.
A reunification site was at first arranged for Rochester High School, but a site opened at the Rochester LDS Church located at 18501 Paulson Street SW according to Thurston County Emergency Management.
Thurston County Emergency Management last night reported the location where the fire began was in a different spot, at the southeast corner of the wildlife area, near Southwest 183rd Avenue, between Guava Street and Case Road.
WTRFA said last night a cause had not yet been determined, but they confirmed no lightning strikes for the area.
West Thurston Fire Chief Robert Scott requested and received state fire assistance yesterday afternoon, which brought in two wildland strike teams from Pierce County.
Others assisting included fire departments with Thurston, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties, the state Department of Natural Resources, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Thurston County Public Works, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, according to WTRFA.
The fire incident management team was to meet this morning. A fire camp has been set up at Rochester High School.
WTRFA indicates information is being provided by Thurston County Emergency Management, which can be found on Facebook and Twitter.
A soup kitchen was to be opened until 10 p.m. last night and again this morning until 10 a.m.
For the latest on road closures, check Thurston County Public Works.
For updates on power outages, see Puget Sound Energy
Thurston County Emergency Management can be reached here
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Fire camp set up at Rochester High School as crews continue to extinguish fire and assess structure and acreage loss. / Thurston County Emergency Management
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter