State fire mobilization authorized for Sunset Fire

SPOKANE — State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Sunset Fire located in Spokane County, near the Spokane Airport.

The Sunset Fire is burning in grass and trees. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources at 2:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at the request of Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer, Spokane Fire Department.

The Sunset Fire started at about 12:45 p.m. Friday and is estimated at 20 acres and growing. Officials said the fire is threatening homes, highways, and the airport. Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered air resources.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray will remain activated to Level 1 to help coordinate state assistance for the Sunset Fire.

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 mobilization. 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.

Information: http://www.wsp.wa.gov/draft-all-risk-mobilization/.