Early-morning Sequim fire destroys ambulances, structure

By Michael Dashiell • July 12, 2021 4:00 pm

Two ambulances out of Olympic Ambulance’s fleet of more than 45 were destroyed in a fire at the Sequim-based business in the early hours of Tuesday, July 13.

No one was hurt and services will not be disrupted, said David Nuelle, CEO of the private company at 601 W. Hendrickson Road, which has operated in Clallam County for 50 years. Temporary replacements for the damaged ambulances were on their way from other counties served by the company: Kitsap, Mason and Thurston, he said.

The cause of the 2 a.m. fire, which also destroyed a metal carport, remained under investigation late Tuesday.

Damage estimates are likely to exceed $500,000, said officials with Clallam County Fire District 3.

“We’re very grateful for the outpouring of support form other agencies,” Nuelle said.

“We’ve had terrific community outreach.”

Witnesses described to firefighters an explosion and an ambulance engulfed in flames a little after 2 a.m. Tuesday.

The blaze spread to the carport and the heat damaged a second ambulance, Nuelle said.

The fire began seven minutes after an ambulance which had been in service was parked in the carport, Nuelle said.

Firefighters from Sequim, Blyn and Carlsborg were called. Sequim police officers blocked off roadways between Seventh Avenue and Garry Oak Drive while crews stretched a hose line across the street to provide water for the blaze.

Off-duty personnel and Fire District 3 volunteers were called in for additional assistance, said Fire District 3 officials.

Fire District 2 of Port Angeles was also dispatched to the scene and responded with a fire engine, district chief and four personnel.

Fire District 3 had a medic unit, two fire engines, a water tender, a rescue truck, a rehab unit, multiple volunteers and a duty chief at the fire.