Published Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 2300 PT

A wildfire named the Baird Springs Fire broke out yesterday afternoon at 1500 hours PT on Baird Springs Road in Grant County, sparking multiple Level 1 (Notification) and Level 3 (Go NOW) mandatory evacuations and a firestorm on Social Media.

There has been no cause released and it is listed under investigation.

LEVEL 2 (GET SET) Mandatory Evacuations are in Effect (formerly listed as Level 3 evacuations)

  • Stuhlmiller Road
  • Crescent Bar
  • Trinidad

There is about 210 total personnel along with 28 engines, two crews, and three water tenders from the following fire agencies, including those deployed through the State Mobe Dispatch Center via the Fire Marshal’s Office (State resources):

  • Aberdeen Fire Department (State Mobe)
  • Arlington/Stanwood Firefighters IAFF 3438 (State Mobe)
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • Grant County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO)
  • Grant County Fire District #3
  • Grant County Fire District #13
  • Montesano FD’s B91 (State Mobe)
  • Southeast Washington Incident Management Team (SEWAIMT3), Type 3 (IC)
  • Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office – WSP (WA FMO): Approved State Mobe 7/10/2023 at 1700 hours PT.
  • Wenatchee River Fire District

The fire has scorched 2,400 acres and there is still a 0% containment status, says the SE WA IMT Type 3 who assumed command of the fire this morning at 0600 hours PT. They are reporting no new fire growth from last night’s operational period. Firefighters were able to complete and improve control lines and mop-up around structures.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect and this restricts ALL aircraft, including UAVs, Drones, and any other aircraft, except for fire suppression aviation assets assigned to this incident. This is issued by the FAA. #NoDronesInFireZones

The ABCs of Wildfire Terminology: “D” is for “Defensible Space”

An area either natural or manmade where material capable of causing a fire to spread has been treated, cleared, reduced, or changed to act as a barrier between an advancing wildland fire and the loss of life, property, or resources. In practice, “defensible space” is defined as an area a minimum of 30 feet around a structure that is cleared of flammable brush or vegetation.

Resources on how you can create your “own” defensible space around your home, business, or any other structure in your area.

WA DNR has a great public service announcement (PSA). https://www.dnr.wa.gov/firewise

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire

Firewise – Thurston County, WA. https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/get-prepared/firewise

City of Bainbridge Island, WA. https://bainbridgewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17488/WUI_Defensible-Space

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog