Sedum Hill Fire

Orcas Island Fire Department responded to a reported wildland fire threatening a home on Thursday, June 24th. Brush Engine 21, Engine 21 and Tender 26 responded to Sedum Hill Road around noon. Lt. Jeff Jones arrived first on scene to report a growing grass fire being battled by residents on scene. Firefighters arrived and quickly got the fire under control. It was determined a burn pile of scotch broom got out of control, charring approximately 140 by 80 foot area near 2 residences.

“With the 4thof July celebrations and exceptionally thick grasses due to the long wet spring – we could be looking at serious fire danger, “ said Wildland Fire Division Captain Maxx Jones. A reminder that outdoor burning is closed July 1st.

Lt. Chad Kimple and Capt. Rick Anda contain a small wildland fire which threatened 2 structures in the Orcas area on Thursday.

Sedum Hill Fire A

Fire spread quickly from a burn pile in drying grass and light fuels.

Sedum Hill Fire B

Capt. Rick Anda mopped up the last hot spots using water rather than destroying the natural vegetation with traditional hand tool work.

Sedum Hill Fire C

Patos Island Lighthouse

The Orcas Island Fire Department volunteers teamed up with the Federal Bureau of Land Management and Washington State Parks in the Patos Island Lighthouse 100th year birthday party preparations. Members of the fire department have volunteered over 300 hours of labor 2006 and have recently been named the Patos Island sponsor in the Washington State Adopt-A-Park Program.

Orcas Fire earned their sign on Patos.

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From Left to Right:
Patos Island Fire Dept. Members: Jason & Sherri Maderios, Chad Kimple, Jeff Jones, Alicia Harris, Max Jones, Nick Teague and Nicol O’Neill.
Not pictured: Dave Mowrey and State Park Ranger Ted Schlund.


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Chad Kimple works on removing years of non-native brush near the historic lighthouse.

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