August 2, 2019
Franklin County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Sulphur Fire located along Highway 260 in Franklin County, between the towns of Kahlotus and Connell. The Sulphur Fire is currently burning in grass, brush, and wheat stubble. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 2, 2019, at 3:30 pm at the request of Fire Chief Scott Moore, Franklin County Fire District 2.
The Sulphur Fire started on August 2, 2019, at approximately 2:00 pm. This fire is estimated at 1,000 acres and growing. It is threatening homes, crops, and power infrastructure. Level 2 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is under investigation.
Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered only air resources at this time. The fire will be managed by a Type 3 Incident Commander.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2 to coordinate state assistance for the Sulphur Fire. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are working remotely coordinating the dispatch of 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 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. More information about the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan is available at: https://wsp.wa.gov/draft-all-risk-mobilization/.
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