August 27, 2020 –
Spokane 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 Bartholomew Fire located in Spokane County, near Medical Lake. The Bartholomew Fire is burning in grass, brush, and light timber. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 27, 2020, at 3:30 pm at the request of Fire Chief Cody Rohrbach, Spokane County Fire District 3.
The Bartholomew Fire started on August 27, 2020, at approximately 12:32 pm. This fire is estimated at 100 acres and growing. It is threatening homes and roadways. 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 3 strike teams.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray will remain activated to Level 1 to help coordinate state assistance for the Bartholomew Fire. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are en route to the scene to coordinate 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/all-risk-mobilization/.
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