PORT ANGELES — U.S. Highway 101 was closed for about 45 minutes as paramedics and EMTs from Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue responded to a remote section of the Spruce Railroad Trail and Airlift Northwest transported an adult female from the scene.
Two prolonged incidents and several EMS calls kept crews busy Wednesday, the fire district stated in a press release.
Crews were dispatched at 2:32 p.m. to a bike crash along the Spruce Railroad Trail near Camp David Jr. They worked with Olympic National Park rangers to determine the best access to the woman as they were located in a remote section of the trail.
Due to the reported severity of the injuries, Airlift Northwest was requested for air transport from the scene, according to the press release.
“Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue paramedics and EMTs made contact with the patient and began treatment,” the release stated. “The closest place to land the helicopter was directly on Highway 101 near Sol Duc Road. The highway was closed for about 45 minutes while crews transported the patient, with the Airlift Northwest personnel, from the trail to the awaiting helicopter.”
At 4:16 p.m., the woman was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue responded with two ambulances, one brush engine and two command vehicles with 10 personnel.
While that incident was in progress, several other EMS calls were received within the fire district which were handled by units from the Port Angeles Fire Department and Olympic Ambulance, according to the press release.
Later Wednesday, Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a smoke investigation at 6:45 p.m. in the area of Baker Farm Road. While crews were responding, they observed a large column of smoke. The incident was upgraded to a brush fire and additional units were requested, according to the press release.
“Crews arrived to find an active wildland fire approximately 1.5 acres in size burning along a slope on DNR property,” the release stated. “Washington State DNR fire units were requested to respond to the scene. Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue crews requested additional support from the Port Angeles Fire Department for fire suppression. Crews were able to contain the fire and stop any further growth.”
The fire was transferred to the state Department of Natural Resources at 9:11 p.m. for final extinguishment and mop-up.
The cause was unknown as of Thursday.
Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue responded with two brush engines, one structural engine, two command vehicles and one water tender with a total of 11 personnel.
The Port Angeles Fire Department responded with one brush engine and two command vehicles with four personnel.
U.S. Highway 101 was closed for about 45 minutes on Wednesday as Airlift Northwest landed on the road and transported a woman to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. (Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue)
