Cause of Peterson Lake brush fire under investigation

DISCOVERY BAY — A brush fire that drew firefighting units from across Jefferson County, as well as one from Clallam County and the state Department of Natural Resources, was finally mopped up this week.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Monday mopped up the last of the embers of the fire that began at about 5 p.m. Friday near Discovery Bay at Peterson Lake, said Fire Chief Willie Knoepfle of Discovery Bay Fire & Rescue on Tuesday.

The cause of the blaze remained under investigation on Tuesday, Knoepfle said.

It had spread to 4 to 5 acres, threatening to spread into thick vegetation, when the first firefighters arrived on Friday, according to a press release from East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR).

It eventually consumed 7 acres of brush, Knoepfle said.

In addition to Discovery Bay Fire & Rescue and EJFR, units from Brinnon, Port Ludlow, Clallam County and DNR, which provided a helicopter, arrived to help.

The fire spread to the side of state Highway 104.

No structures were threatened.

Wind, terrain and access issues were challenging the firefighting effort, EFJR said. Both Port Ludlow and EJFR recalled off-duty personnel to cover the vacancies left by the mutual aid support for the blaze.

Residents are reminded to be extra cautious this weekend with the red flag conditions. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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