Brush fire ignites reminder of burn bans on North Olympic Peninsula

PORT ANGELES — A downed power line ignited grass and brush at the intersection of state Highway 112 and Power Plant Road, threatening a nearby residence Tuesday.

No structure was damaged and no one was hurt in the blaze, reported at 10:53 a.m., that burned grass, brush and trees in an area of 75 feet by 200 feet, according to Battalion Chief Jake Patterson.

Traffic was blocked on Highway 112 for about an hour until firefighters could move equipment out of the way.

The fire was extinguished by 12:30 p.m.

It was caused by a section of a tree falling into the power lines on Power Plant Road, Patterson said.

“While this fire was accidental in nature, Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue would like to remind residents that there is a complete burn ban in Clallam County,” Patterson said.

A complete burn ban also is in effect in Jefferson County.

The bans are against any type of outdoor burning, even recreational fires.

The initial report was of a brush fire about 50 feet by 50 feet with one residence within 100 feet and threatened by the flames.

On-duty career firefighters and volunteer firefighters responded to the call from home and work, Patterson said.

Firefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading west to the house, he said.

“The winds were pretty calm at that point. We had a fire engine there quickly to help protect it,” he said.

Arriving firefighters found power lines down in the fire, hampering initial efforts to fight the blaze, Patterson said.

Clallam County Public Utility District personnel shut down energy to the downed electrical lines.

Incident Command was established at the intersection of Highway 112 and Power Plant Road.

State Patrol troopers helped with traffic control.

Thirteen firefighters from Fire District No. 2 and three from the Joyce Fire Department extinguished the fire. The state Department of Natural Resources brought a wildland fire engine and firefighting personnel to help mop up hot spots.