JOYCE — A wildland fire charred about half an acre of brushy woods near Joyce on Thursday, leaving fire officials there leery of the upcoming fire season.
The fire was contained within two hours, but firefighters were expected to work well into the evening putting out hot spots.
No structures were damaged and no one was injured in the fire, but an abandoned car was charred.
Firefighters from Clallam County Fire District No. 4 were called to 208 Markuson Road shortly after 2 p.m., and additional help from Fire District No. 2 was requested soon after.
A total of 18 firefighters from both districts fought flames and scattered across nearly 80 yards in a shallow gully.
A fire crew from the state Department of Natural Resources assisted in the final mop-up.
District No. 4 Fire Chief Jim Johnson said the remote location — about one-fourth mile down a steep and narrow private driveway — made it difficult to bring equipment and resources to the location.
“Every bit of water here has to be trucked in,” he said.
“The nearest hydrant is about 1 ½ miles away.”
The cause of the fire was still under investigation, he said.
Although a damp spring has left the landscape still looking green and lush, the recent seasonal dry spell hides the potential for fire.
The fire danger across much of the North Olympic Peninsula is rated as “moderate,” with the annual summer burn ban in effect.
“The cautionary tale is to have people to please be careful,” Johnson said.
“A fire can get out of hand really fast.
“We have a tremendous amount of fuel around here and it can become really dangerous.”
