Submitted by the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management

THIS REPORT IS FROM JULY 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue has been responding the afternoon/evening of Tuesday July 8 to an active wildland fire in the vicinity of Melba Lane and Bobbyann Road on the West side of Orcas Island, just north of West Sound. Extensive support provided by Washington State Department of Natural Resources, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, and Lopez Fire and EMS.

As of 6:30 p.m. on July 8, the fire is fully contained at approximately seven acres, though there is still active burning within the perimeter and fire operations are ongoing.

The residents of Melba Lane and Bobbyann Road who were asked to evacuate during fire operations may return home, but are asked to steer well clear of active fire operations. No other individuals should approach the area at this time.

Please do not fly an drones anywhere near the fire.

Helicopters have been actively fighting the fire and their operations are immediately halted if a drone is confirmed on scene.

There is no official cause of the fire at this time, but all island residents and visitors are reminded that fires are always a possibility in the summer and extreme care and vigilance is required to avoid ignitions. For more info on wildland fire safety, visit https://www.islandsready.org/wildfires or contact your local fire department.