Historic weapons demonstration ignites fire at American Camp | Update

Submitted by San Juan Island National Historical Park

On Sunday, July 15, a historic weapons artillery demonstration caused a wildland fire at American Camp within San Juan Island National Historical Park. National Park Service personnel called 911, and San Juan Fire District 3 responded.

The fire spread rapidly in dry grass, fueled with hot, dry, somewhat windy conditions. The fire moved into a tree line, torched a few trees and burnt through brushy areas.

The fire incident commander initially ordered a Washington Department of National Resources helicopter for support but canceled once they were able to knock the fire down. The approximately three-acre fire was contained within an hour of the initial report.

Elexis Fredy, park superintendent, has suspended all live firing demonstrations until a review is completed on the operations, and mitigation measures are in place to avoid future ignitions.