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

*** For Immediate Release***

Date: August 29, 2011
Contact: Deputy State Fire Marshal Ron Bowen
Phone: (253) 912-4932
E-mail: Ron.Bowen@wsp.wa.gov

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Fire Mobilization Authorized for the Bell Plain Complex Fire

State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Bell Plain Complex Fire in Garfield County.  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 29, 2011, at 12:00 a.m. at the request of Garfield County Fire District #1.

The fires started at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2011 as thunderstorms with abundant lightning moved through the area. The fires total an estimated 5,000 acres. There is not an immediate threat to structures at this time, however, earlier residents were evacuated but later allowed to return to their homes.

Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered 35 wildland engines, six water tenders; a Type 3 Incident Management Team; and two 20-person Handcrews to supplement the resources already fighting the fire. The incident command post is being set up at the Pomeroy Fairgrounds.

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Camp Murray has been activated to Phase II, to coordinate state assistance for the Bell Plain Complex Fire. Personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal will be on scene to coordinate dispatch of resources, and other personnel will staff the State EOC.

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://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/mobilization.htm.

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