Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov

*** For Immediate Release***

Date: July 21, 2010
Contact: Deputy State Fire Marshal Ron Bowen
Phone: (360) 536-3923
E-mail: Ronald.Bowman@wsp.wa.gov

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Fire Mobilization Will End at Cowiche Mill Fire

Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization assistance for the Cowiche Mill Fire west of Yakima, in Yakima County will end as of July 21, 2010, at 2:00 pm.  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 18, 2010, at 4:15 p.m. at the request of Yakima County Fire District #12.

The fire started at 1:54 p.m. on July 18, 2010, the fire cause is still under investigation.  The fire grew to an estimated 6,200 acres and is now 98% contained.  A total of 10 Strike Teams and approximately 300 personnel were deployed in support of the incident.

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Camp Murray is no longer activated.  Personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal will be on scene to coordinate the release of state mobilization resources.

Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the incident.  The Mobilization Plan is implemented to provide a process to quickly notify, assemble and deploy fire service personnel, equipment and other resources from around the state when fires, disasters or other events exceed the capacity of local jurisdictions.  More information about the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan is available at:  http://wsp.wa.gov/fire/mobeplan/mobilization.htm#reports

 

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