Welcome to Skagit County

September 2nd, 2006

50 FIREFIGHTERS ON SCENE AT FOREST FIRE ONE HALF MILE NORTH OF CONCRETE

A forest fire is currently burning one half mile north of the Town of Concrete on Burpee Hill. It was reported at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2006 and is estimated to be approximately 40 acres in size. Currently the fire is not expanding. The fire is located in clear cut and replanted land and in standing timber.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Skagit Department of Emergency Management has established a Joint Incident Command. DNR has a crew of approximately 50 firefighters on the scene including a contract crew and inmates from Monroe State Reformatory.

There have been no evacuations and no structures at risk at this time. Burpee Hill Road has been closed.

Easterly winds have caused smoke to drift into the lower Skagit Valley.

Two helicopters are on the scene and an airplane retardant ship was used to fight the fire.

Fire agencies within Skagit County met this morning and formed two task forces that will remain on stand-by throughout the weekend to provide assistance if necessary. The American Red Cross was also put on stand by.

An emergency was declared yesterday by the Skagit County Board of Commissioners and the Mayor of Concrete.

The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office deputies are on duty in the immediate area throughout the area.

The public is advised that the Skagit County Fire Ban is in effect and there is a high fire danger due to the hot, dry weather. No open fires are permitted and no charcoal fires are allowed on state or private managed lands.

For media inquiries, contact:
Nancy Joseph
Public Information Officer
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
360-333-2209