Nearly 50 firefighters from 24 units battled a large brush fire near Maple Valley Wednesday evening, Aug. 5, that burned three abandoned structures and about 1 acre, but was kept away from about 10 residential homes.
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire responded at about 5:30 p.m. to the fire in King County Fire District 43, outside of the Maple Valley city limits, according to a Puget Sound Fire news release.
As multiple reports came in and the fire grew, the call was upgraded to a possible residential fire sending more responders. Access to the location was an issue as the first arriving engine was challenged to find the best way to get to the fire in the woods. Upon arrival they found an abandon camp type area with one structure and several cars on fire and the fire extending to an additional abandoned house.
Water supply on one side of the large fire was accessible in a neighborhood cul-de-sac but most of the fire was accessed down a dirt road and required water to be shuttled from a remote location. Due to the lack of water supply the fire was initially a “defensive” or exterior attack on the abandon structures while crews aggressively worked to contain the fire spread and protect nearby residences.
Due to the size of the fire and the water supply challenges, a second alarm was dispatched to provide additional resources and personnel. In total 24 units and approximately 50 firefighters were on scene. In addition to Puget Sound Fire, other agencies included Renton Regional Fire Authority, Valley Regional Fire Authority, Mountain View Fire, Enumclaw Fire, KC Dist 47, King County Medic One, Zone 3 Fire Rehab and a King County Fire Investigator.
The fire was contained with a perimeter under control shortly after 7 p.m. and the first crews were relieved at 9 p.m. while other crews worked late into the night. Additional crews stayed through the night to monitor hot spots and remained on scene Thursday morning.
There was one injury to a firefighter transported for a minor injury. The cause is still under investigation and being handled by the King County fire investigators.
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