NEAH BAY — The 200 Line Fire near Neah Bay was 80 percent contained Tuesday as crews continued to eliminate hot spots on the perimeter.
The nearly 40-acre fire is burning on recently logged Makah tribal land along 200 Line Road about 2 miles southeast of Neah Bay.
It it not considered to be a threat to any structures.
Southwest Washington Incident Management, the Makah tribe, the state Department of Natural Resources and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are working in a coordinated effort on the fire.
Over 100 personnel
More than 100 personnel are working the blaze with several brush engines, water tenders and other resources, Incident Management Team spokesman Tim Perciful said in a news release.
The volunteer Neah Bay Fire Department carried out the initial attack until DNR crews arrived.
“The local fire department did an incredible job containing the fire, and the Makah tribe have been gracious hosts by providing support and even food for personnel when we first arrived,” Incident Commander Greg Kelly said.
The fire was believed to have started at about 11 a.m. Saturday. The cause has not been determined.
The tribe’s Emergency Operation Center has deactivated after several days, and personnel have gone back to their normal duties, Perciful said.
Tribal members are still working closely with fire personnel from the various agencies.
Neah Bay High School is being used as a staging area, and the public is being asked to avoid the school grounds.
The primary objectives of the Incident Management Team are the safety of responders and the public, containing the fire within the existing footprint and protecting valuables in cost-effective ways, Perciful said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
