Two local firefighters head to Grant County to help contain wildfire
June 30, 2008 · Updated 11:46 PM
The San Juan Island Fire Department dispatched two firefighters and a wildland fire engine to Grant County on Monday, to help firefighters contain a more than 3,000-acre wildland fire near Warden.
As of Monday morning, the fire threatened 55 homes and was completely uncontained.
Lt. Tad Lean and Firefighter Michael Henderson responded in Brush 352, one of the San Juan Island Fire Department’s specialized wildland firefighting vehicles. They are scheduled to be assigned to the so-called Seep Lakes fire.
The deployment is coordinated through the state Fire Marshal and could last up to 14 days, depending upon the fire.
San Juan Island Fire Department personnel are often asked to participate in wildland fires statewide.
“Local firefighters have earned a good reputation off-island for being well-trained and equipped,” a department press release stated.
“Each request for off-island assistance is evaluated to ensure local needs are not impacted. However, every effort is made to fill a request, because it is very likely that the day will come when San Juan Island will need help from mainland fire departments.
“The immediate benefit is that the firefighters gain valuable experience that they may bring back to the island.”
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