Firefighters spray water and foam on a burning logging yarder. / Courtesy photo by West Thurston Regional Fire Authority
This news story was updated at 8:53 a.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Firefighters called about 11 o’clock last night found a large piece of logging equipment fully engulfed in flames next to a heavy equipment repair shop in Grand Mound.
The cause is under investigation, according to Chief Robert Scott of West Thurston Regional Fire Authority.
Scott said the logging yarder – which he estimated to be about 75 feet tall – and a large pool of hydraulic fluid beneath it, were burning at Modern Machinery on Ivan Street Southwest near Old Highway 99.
Firefighters also encountered flames on a large acetylene tank – used for welding – which they had to remove from the area, according to Scott.
Crews using water and foam quickly extinguished the blaze and were able to prevent any damage to the building, according to Scott.
Eighteen firefighters came from West Thurston, as well as Tenino, East Olympia and McLane-Black Lake, according to the chief.
A worker there had been welding yesterday afternoon and they are looking into the possibility something smoldered and finally ignited, Scott said.
The logging yarder – valued at $200,000 – sustained substantial damage, he said.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter