Transition back to DNR command set to take place Aug. 28
The 2620 Road Fire near Brinnon is 81% contained and is mapped at 403 acres, according to an update earlier this week from the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team.
All evacuation levels have been rescinded and Duckabush Road is open, the Aug. 26 update said.
Temporary flight restrictions remain in effect in the area. Crews were using infrared drone cameras to monitor for hot spots while others were undertaking major mop-up projects around the perimeter.
There are about 8 miles of hoses and pumps laid down along strategic parts of the perimeter, down from 14 miles, said Brinnon Fire Department Chief Tim Manly.
“We still have a very heavy workforce as of right now, but we are definitely starting to let people go,” Manly said.
“Like in the initial stages, we were over 500, but when the bulldozer work was done, there’s no need to keep those heavy equipment (operators) going, so you saw that number just drop off.
“As essential workers are finishing up their jobs, they’re being demobilized and sent home,” he added. “I imagine starting (today) or by Wednesday, we’ll be down to about 100 firefighters, who will be able to continue working those hot spots.”
As the mop-up phase concludes, the patrol phase will begin, the incident management team said in its update. The patrol phase is characterized as a period for heavy monitoring, without physical work, unless heavy smoke or hazards call for it. The patrol phase frees up a number of firefighters and equipment while keeping constant eyes on the area, the update said.
Incident Commander Kent Stanford of the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team said a transition is underway to move the fire to a Type 4 command, managed by the state Department of Natural Resources. Transition of command is set to occur at 6 a.m. Wednesday.
“The same capability of firefighter [is staying on],” Stanford said. “They have the same type of equipment. We just do not need the large amount of resources that we currently have, so we’re making the switch to bring on a smaller group of firefighters that can continue to do the extinguishing work that needs to get done, so that we can release the larger number to more incidents that are occurring around the state.”
Manly expressed gratitude toward other agencies working on the fire, individual firefighters and for all of the community support received throughout the course of the incident.
“The thing about these teams is, even though you give command over, it is a seamless process,” Manly said about working with the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team. “They blend right into your system, or their system blends right into theirs. They have been great. I have zero complaints.”
Manly said the firefighters have been “phenomenal.”
“I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “This had been above and beyond anything that Brinnon has experienced in a long time. The best thing that I could say is that I’m very grateful that they’re here and helping take care of our community.”
Community support came from all directions: local businesses, residents and even out-of-area support, Manly said.
The Brinnon fire station received numerous shipments of supplies ordered online, he added.
“The biggest thing is to the communities — not community, communities plural — from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your help and your support,” Manly said. “’Thank you’ is just not enough. I can’t think of a better word to say, and my heart just feels like that’s not enough right now.”
